Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): An Alberta court has imposed a CAD 132,000 fine on industrial services provider Brock Canada Field Services Ltd. after the company admitted to violating workplace safety regulations in connection with a serious on-site accident that left a worker injured.
The company pleaded guilty on July 30 in the Fort Saskatchewan Court of Justice to one count under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker.
Worker Seriously Injured in Fall
The case relates to an incident that occurred on August 10, 2023, at a worksite in Redwater, where Brock Canada Field Services Ltd. was carrying out work alongside Nutrien (Canada) Holdings ULC.
According to court records, a worker entered a scaffold structure to remove protective hoarding when they lost their footing and fell into an uncovered utility corridor containing hot water. The accident resulted in serious injuries.
Other Charges Dropped
Following the guilty plea, the court ordered Brock Canada Field Services Ltd. to pay a total fine of CAD 132,000, which includes the mandatory victim fine surcharge.
Prosecutors withdrew all remaining charges against both Brock Canada Field Services Ltd. and Nutrien (Canada) Holdings ULC. as part of the proceedings.
Under Alberta law, both the Crown and the company have 30 days to appeal either the conviction or the sentence.
Workplace Safety Obligations
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety legislation requires employers to maintain safe working conditions and take reasonable steps to protect workers from workplace hazards. Authorities may pursue legal action under the OHS Act when safety violations contribute to serious injuries or fatalities.
The case serves as another reminder of the importance of strict adherence to workplace safety standards, particularly in high-risk industrial environments where lapses can have severe consequences.
