An oil and gas company, an engineering firm, and a worksite supervisor have been handed a combined $216,000 in penalties following a serious workplace injury near Edson.
The penalties were issued after all three parties pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety offences in Edson Court of Justice on December 11. The charges stem from a March 21, 2024 incident in which a worker was using a torch to cut a wellhead casing during a well‑abandonment operation. The wellhead dislodged, striking the worker and causing serious injuries.
Canlin Resources Partnership, acting as the prime contractor, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure an employer on the site was informed of existing or potential hazards. Under a creative sentence, the company was ordered to direct $116,000 to Red Deer Polytechnic to create a training program focused on the safe use of oxy‑acetylene torch systems. The program will be aimed at students and underrepresented groups in the trades.
Ulysses Engineering Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure worksite parties were informed of hazards. The firm received a $75,000 fine, which includes a victim fine surcharge, and was placed under two years of enhanced regulatory supervision.
Supervisor Matthew Morris pleaded guilty to failing to take necessary precautions to protect a worker under his supervision. He was fined $25,000, including the surcharge, and placed under 1.5 years of enhanced regulatory oversight.
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act allows courts to impose creative sentences, which redirect fine amounts toward initiatives that improve workplace safety.
Both the defendants and the Crown have up to 30 days to file an appeal.
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