Highway contractor fined $180,000 after worker seriously injured in Alberta

A highway maintenance contractor was fined $180,000 after pleading guilty to safety violations that led to serious injuries for a worker on an Alberta highway.

Emcon Services Inc. entered a 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, a report from CTV News highlighted. The sentencing took place on March 10 in the Edmonton Court of Justice. The Crown withdrew seven additional charges under OHS legislation.

The incident occurred on Aug. 15, 2022, in Acheson, west of Edmonton. A worker sustained serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle while clearing debris from a highway maintenance site.

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.

Source: The Safety Mag