Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A major forest products company has been ordered to pay $355,000 after pleading guilty in connection with a workplace death at one of its Alberta lumber mills.
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited admitted to violating workplace safety laws during proceedings held on May 19 at the Grande Prairie Court of Justice. The company pleaded guilty to one count under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure the safety of a worker. Twelve additional charges filed in the case were withdrawn by the Crown.
The case relates to a fatal incident that took place on November 18, 2023, at a lumber mill near Grande Prairie. According to court records, the worker was attempting to clear a blockage from machinery using a pike pole when the equipment forcefully expelled the tool, striking the worker and causing fatal injuries.
Instead of imposing a traditional fine, the court issued a creative sentence directing the company to provide the funds to Northwestern Polytechnic for the development of a new industrial safety training initiative.
The funding will support the creation of the Northern Industrial Safety Pathways Program, designed to offer structured training and tuition assistance for workers entering high-risk sectors such as forestry, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining and agriculture.
The program is intended to improve workplace readiness and strengthen safety awareness among new and less-experienced employees across northern Alberta’s industrial workforce.
Both the company and the Crown have a 30-day window to appeal the conviction or the penalty imposed by the court.
Alberta’s workplace safety legislation sets mandatory standards for employers to maintain safe working conditions and outlines legal protections for employees. Authorities can pursue charges under these laws when breaches contribute to serious injury or loss of life on the job.
