A federal occupational health and safety officer’s investigation into the workplace death of a Parks Canada employee who fell from a bridge in Banff concludes Parks Canada failed to ensure his safety.
The body of Dave Raham, 57, was recovered at the bottom of an overpass bridge on Oct. 23 at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 1A, about 18 kilometres west of the Banff townsite.
The investigation confirmed two employees were working on the Five Mile Bridge deck installing reflectors at night, when it was already dark, when the tragic accident occurred.
“The employer did not ensure that the health and safety of employees was protected,” wrote Evert Ryland, the federal health and safety officer in his finding.
The investigation found Parks Canada failed to ensure employees who were installing reflectors at various locations during day and night time hours were provided the information, instruction, training and supervision to make sure they were safe.
It also found they were working at a location that their employer was not aware of and were installing reflectors without instruction and supervision on safe work procedures to be followed while working on a bridge deck at night.
“The employer failed to identify and assess the hazards associated with employees installing reflectors on bridges and other structures during both day and night time hours,” wrote Ryland.
“The employer failed to develop and implement control measures to address the hazards associated with installing reflectors on bridges and other structures during both day and night time hours.”
Raham, known to friends and colleagues as Bammer, was an employee of Parks Canada’s Highway Operations Unit. He worked both as a summer maintenance worker and winter seasonal driver/operator with Parks Canada.
The health and safety officer directed Parks Canada stop the work until all the concerns were addressed by Parks, no later than Nov. 14.
In response to Ryland’s investigation, Parks Canada officials say the safety and security of their employees is of the utmost importance.
“We are saddened by this loss and our thoughts are with the grieving family and friends of our colleague,” said Natalie Fay, Parks Canada chief of media relations in an email statement.
“Parks Canada is cooperating fully in the health and safety investigation,” she said. “Furthermore, in accordance with established process, Parks Canada has also launched its own internal investigation.”
After many years grooming at Mount Norquay, Raham moved to Sunshine where he spent 20 years grooming the slopes. Between seasons, he was a well-known bartender at several locations, including Melissa’s, Tommy’s and the Voyager.
According to his obituary printed in the Outlook after his death, his dream job came with Parks Canada, where he worked with equipment on highway maintenance. “He enjoyed his work and people who worked with him,” it read.
