N.L. Hydro pleads guilty to workplace safety violation following 2023 death
Oct 29, 2026
Bill Walsh died in August 2023.
He was 69 years old and working as an industrial electrician for
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
Walsh was electrocuted while inside a high-voltage
switchyard at the Holyrood Generating Plant.
Hydro was charged with safety violations in
relation with his death
and pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to one count for failing
as an employer to ensure that safe work procedures were followed.
The Crown and Defense made a joint
submission for a $100,000 fine, which the judge accepted.
Senior leaders from Hydro attended the
sentencing. They didn't address the court or grant interviews.
In a statement, the company said the
tragedy had a profound impact on the entire organization,
adding that Hydro respects the
outcome of the court process
and recognizes the seriousness of this matter, noting that the
company has taken a number of actions to strengthen
its approach to safety since this tragedy occurred.
Rob Antle, CBC News, St. John's.

