Energy company fined $250K in workplace fatality

Align Energy Services Ltd violated safety regulations while using hoist lift

Energy company fined $250K in workplace fatality

Align Energy Services Ltd, a prominent company in the energy sector, has been fined $250,000 following a workplace fatality that occurred in the Rural Municipality of Oakdale back in August 2021.

The incident involved a worker who suffered a fatal injury after being struck by a flex pipe reel, leading to an investigation into potential safety violations.

According to the official release sent out on Monday morning, the verdict was delivered at Kindersley Provincial Court on July 11. Align Energy Services Ltd was found to have violated The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, and consequently, they have been ordered to pay a fine of $178,571.43, along with a $71,428.57 surcharge.

The charges filed against the company were a result of their contravention of clause 14-5(1)(b) of the regulations, specifically related to the employer's failure to ensure the suitability and capability of a sling used to hoist a load and its fittings and attachments to support the load being lifted. The failure and subsequent fatality highlight the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in hazardous work environments.

While the company has been fined heavily for this specific violation, it's worth noting that four additional charges related to the incident were withdrawn.

This case has also drawn attention to the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of safety procedures within industries prone to potential hazards. Authorities and companies alike should use this opportunity to reevaluate their safety protocols and implement comprehensive training programs to ensure the well-being of their workforce.

As Align Energy Services Ltd copes with the financial repercussions of the fine, it is hoped that this incident will act as a catalyst for a renewed commitment to workplace safety not only within the company but also across the industry as a whole.