OHS Case Over Fatal Workplace Incident Ends with $1.2M in Penalties.
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. — Three companies have been fined a total of $1.2 million in connection with a 2022 workplace fatality at Suncor Energy’s base plant near Fort McMurray.
Joy Global (Canada) Ltd., NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Services Ltd., and Suncor Energy Services each pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety violations and were sentenced on March 21 in the Fort McMurray Court of Justice.
The charges stem from the July 7, 2022, death of a 26-year-old worker who was struck by a piece of equipment that fell from a crane during a hoisting operation.
As part of a creative sentencing agreement with the Crown, the fines will be directed to Alberta universities for research on rigging and hoisting safety, the development of industry tools, recommendations for standard practices, and the establishment of an occupational health and safety research institute model for Alberta. The University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and Mount Royal University will receive the funds.
Joy Global, a mining equipment company, was penalized $374,000 after pleading guilty under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to ensure worker safety. The Crown withdrew 12 other charges.
NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Services Ltd. was fined $374,000 after pleading guilty under the OHS Code for failing to reassess workplace hazards when a new work process was introduced. Seven other charges against the company were withdrawn.
Suncor Energy Services Inc. was ordered to pay $495,000 after admitting to a violation of the OHS Code for failing to guard sharp edges on hoisted loads, which could have prevented rigging damage. Ten additional charges against Suncor were withdrawn.
Each company was also ordered to pay a $1,000 victim fine surcharge.
Under Alberta’s OHS laws, a creative sentencing option allows fines that would typically be paid to the Crown to be redirected to projects that improve workplace health and safety. The companies and the Crown have 30 days to appeal the convictions or penalties.
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