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Marcs death is one death too many, but we are going to make sure that it is not in vain.

Those were the words of Martin Gagnon, president of CUPE 4545 representing outside workers in Laval, after reviewing the report of the Health and Safety Board into the circumstances that led to the death of Marc Desforges last March.

The report sharply criticizes the City of Laval for the death, which occurred when Brother Desforges was caught in the moving agitator of a spreader. The board has banned the use of Dal-Bel and SMS-Hydraulic spreaders in Quebec. It also condemns the City for the way its work is organized and for providing inadequate information and training to its staff.

The Local welcomed the report but Gagon said they wouldnt be satisfied until the City and other municipalities in Quebec and across Canada take concrete steps to ensure there will be no more deaths.

In addition to pursuing legal action against the municipality, CUPE has pledged to raise awareness about the dangers of this model of spreader from coast to coast.

We are going to ensure that the ban is strictly enforced everywhere, not just in Quebec, promised CUPE rep Serge Leboeuf.

For more information contact your health and safety rep or the Health and Safety Branch at (613) 237-1590.