Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A reforestation company has been acquitted of occupational health and safety (OHS) charges related to a workplace fatality.
On Feb. 21, Blue Collar Silviculture Ltd. was found not guilty on eight counts under OHS legislation following a trial in the Peace River Court of Justice.
The charges stem from an incident in Mackenzie County that occurred on July 2, 2020. A tree planter was struck and fatally injured by a falling tree.
The Crown has up to 30 days to appeal the acquittal.
Alberta’s OHS laws set basic health and safety rules for workplaces across the province. They provide guidance for employers to help them ensure their workplaces are as healthy and safe as possible while providing rights and protections for workers. Charges under OHS laws may be laid when failing to follow the rules results in a workplace fatality or serious injury.
