The incident took place during routine work that took an unexpected turn
Two Alberta companies have been fined after a serious workplace injury at an oil and gas site near Edson.
Court records show the penalties stem from a March 21, 2024 incident during a well-abandonment operation. A worker was using a torch to cut a wellhead casing when the wellhead dislodged and struck the worker, causing serious injuries, according to Alberta Occupational Health and Safety prosecutors.
On Dec. 11, Canlin Resources Partnership, the prime contractor at the site, pleaded guilty in an Edson court to one count under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. The company admitted it failed to ensure that an employer at the work site was informed of existing or potential hazards.
As part of sentencing, Canlin was ordered to pay $116,000 under a so-called “creative sentence,” directing the funds to Red Deer Polytechnic to develop safety training related to the use of torch systems, Edmonton Journal reported. The initiative is intended to support students and underrepresented groups in the trades.
A second company, Ulysses Engineering Inc., also pleaded guilty to a safety violation. The firm admitted it failed to ensure work-site parties were properly informed of hazards present during the operation. Ulysses Engineering was fined $75,000, including a victim fine surcharge, and placed under two years of regulatory supervision.
In total, the fines imposed on the two companies amount to $191,000, excluding additional supervision requirements. Twelve other charges related to the incident were withdrawn as part of the court proceedings, officials said.
In addition, a supervisor working at the site pleaded guilty to failing to take the precautions necessary to protect the health and safety of a worker under their supervision. The supervisor was fined $25,000, including a victim fine surcharge, and placed under 1.5 years of regulatory supervision.
The two companies and the supervisor have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.
