Ontario Federation of Labour President Sid Ryan wants changes to the way deaths at workplaces are investigated.

Ryan’s demand  comes after an Ontario construction company was  fined 200-thousand dollars in the death of four workers in a Toronto scaffolding mishap back on Christmas Eve 2009. 

The rare conviction for criminal negligence causing death – against Metron Construction is the first of its kind in Ontario under the Criminal Code.

The incident occurred when high-rise scaffolding snapped, sending four workers plunging to their deaths and leaving one badly hurt.

Metron pleaded guilty, but charges against its owner, Joel Swartz, were dropped.

The company had faced a fine of up to $1 million.

Labour activists are upset with the judge’s decision, saying they wanted to see jail time, not just fines.