O’Reilly Oilfield Services Ltd. has been fined $90,000 following a serious workplace injury at a northern Alberta oil and gas site. The company pleaded guilty to one count under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to take necessary precautions to protect workers’ health and safety.
The incident occurred on July 7, 2021, at a work site near Valleyview. A worker sustained severe burns when liquid from a decommissioned pipeline ignited and overflowed from a portable flare stack. In addition to the fine, the penalty includes a 20 per cent victim fine surcharge.
During the proceedings on Oct. 7, the Crown withdrew five other charges against O’Reilly Oilfield Services Ltd. related to the incident. Fifteen charges against Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., which was also involved, were withdrawn as well.
Under Alberta’s OHS laws, employers are required to follow specific safety protocols to safeguard workers. Penalties can be issued when violations result in serious injuries or fatalities. Both the company and the Crown have 30 days to appeal the conviction or the penalty.