Trial underway into death of Whitehorse mechanic

A trial into the death of Denis Chabot, a mechanic at Integra Tire in Whitehorse, Yukon continues today.

Thirty-four-year-old Chabot died in November, 2011, when he was servicing a North 60 Petro fuel truck on the tire companys lot. After completing the work he told supervisors it was ready for pickup. Then Chabot apparently did one final check.

That's when the North 60 driver showed up, climbed into the running vehicle and backed up. Chabot was crushed and died from his injuries.

The Yukon Workers' Compensation, Health and Safety Board laid charges against Integra Tire and North 60 Petroand both supervisors under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The charges allege that supervisors at both companies failed to properly train their workers. They could face a maximum fine of $150,000 each.

No criminal charges were laid.

Safety officials say the truck should have been locked out until servicing was complete and the driver should have checked for danger before backing it up.

The trial is expected to last about three weeks, and 26witnesses are expected to take the stand.

The first witness on Monday was the safety officer from the Yukon Workers Compensation, Health and Safety Board who investigated the incident.

Wayne Smith spent yesterday morning identifying exhibits, pictures and video from the scene. He's in the witness box today explaining his investigation report.