Supervisor Cleared in Fatal Workplace Incident
An Ottawa supervisor has been found not guilty of criminal negligence causing death in connection with a workplace fatality that occurred in 2023. Steven Deans, who faced the serious charge following the death of a worker under his supervision, received the verdict after court proceedings that began in September.
Court Proceedings and Timeline
The case against Steven Deans progressed through the Ottawa Courthouse, with the accused appearing for proceedings as recently as Monday, September 15. The criminal negligence charge stemmed from an incident where a worker lost their life while performing job duties under Deans' supervision in 2023.
The not guilty verdict was delivered on November 14, 2025, bringing closure to a case that had been working its way through the justice system for approximately two years since the original incident occurred.
Workplace Safety Implications
This case highlights the serious legal consequences that can follow workplace accidents in Canada. While the court found Deans not criminally responsible, the incident underscores the importance of workplace safety protocols and the potential legal exposure for supervisors when tragedies occur.
The verdict comes amid ongoing national conversations about workplace safety standards and the legal thresholds for establishing criminal negligence in occupational settings. Such cases typically require proof of wanton or reckless disregard for safety that represents a marked departure from the standard of care expected.
Workplace safety advocates continue to emphasize the importance of proper training, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future across Canadian workplaces.
