A sand and gravel company has been fined $150,000 after a worker suffered serious injuries when he became entangled in a conveyer system on a construction site near Entwistle, Alta.
McLeod Valley Sand and Gravel pleaded guilty Aug. 25 in Evansburg Court of Justice to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker. The Crown withdrew 14 other counts against the company and all 17 counts against JRF Oilfield Services Ltd., which was also charged in connection with the incident.
The incident
The charges stem from a June 29, 2023 incident at a construction site near Entwistle. A worker became caught in a roller that formed part of a conveyer’s drive system and was seriously injured.
Creative sentencing
The court ordered the company on Oct. 20 to pay $150,000 to the Alberta Sand and Gravel Association to develop three interactive online safety training modules. The creative sentence diverts funds that would otherwise be paid as fines to organizations or projects aimed at improving workplace health and safety.
Both the company and the Crown have 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.
OHS enforcement
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety laws establish health and safety requirements for workplaces across the province. Charges under the Act may be laid when violations result in a fatality or serious injury.
The laws provide guidance for employers and set out rights and protections for workers.
