A highway maintenance contractor has been fined $180,000 after pleading guilty to safety violations that resulted in serious injuries to a worker on an Alberta highway.
Emcon Services Inc. entered the guilty plea to one count under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to protect the health and safety of an employee. The sentencing took place on March 10 in the Edmonton Court of Justice. Seven additional charges were withdrawn by the Crown.
The incident occurred on Aug. 15, 2022, in Acheson, west of Edmonton. A worker suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle while clearing debris from a highway.
The total fine of $180,000 includes the victim fine surcharge. Both Emcon Services and the Crown have 30 days from the sentencing date to appeal the conviction or penalty.
Alberta’s OHS legislation sets health and safety standards for workplaces provincewide, outlining responsibilities for employers to maintain safe environments and protect workers. Employers can face charges under OHS laws if serious injuries or fatalities occur due to violations.
