Injured parachutist challenges CNESST over return-to-work order

A Lanaudière parachutist is challenging Quebec’s workplace health and safety board (CNESST) after being ordered to return to work despite a severe injury that he says makes skydiving dangerous for him and his passengers.

Eric Bedard has just won a first round at the Quebec’s administrative labour tribunal, which ruled that his injuries prevent him from working as a parachutist.

His lawyer, Marc Bellemare, argued that the CNESST didn't look at the file correctly.

“They are used to working with people who do regular jobs, but in this case, it is very specific and it's a question of security,” Bellemare said.

Bedard recounted that in August 2021 an equipment malfunction during a skydive ended his 20-year career.

The incident left him with a severe cervical injury. But despite the injury, the CNESST has forced him back to work.

“It's completely ridiculous,” Bedard said adding that if jumped out of plane again, he worries it could lead to his death.

According to Bellemare, if Bedard can’t return to the same job the CNESST will be forced to pay for his rehabilitation and assist him in finding a new job.

“They don't really look to the file, they look to the calculator, you know, and they look to that, and they say, ‘okay, we'll have to pay money here,’” the lawyer said.

CNESST declined to comment because Bedard’s file is an ongoing case.