An Alberta insulation contractor has been fined $210,000 after a worker died falling through a roof opening at an oil sands facility.
Pacific Rim Industrial Insulations Ltd. pleaded guilty July 28 in Fort McMurray Court of Justice to failing to ensure a worker used a travel restraint system where the worker could fall three metres or more.
The charge stems from a June 8, 2023 incident at the Mildred Lake oil sands facility. A worker died after falling through an opening while replacing a building’s metal roof.
Court ruling and penalties
The company received an 18-month enhanced regulatory supervision order along with the fine, which includes a 20 per cent victim fine surcharge. The Crown withdrew three other charges against the company.
Both Pacific Rim Industrial and the Crown have 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.
The enhanced regulatory supervision order requires the company to complete several actions to improve its health and safety systems and knowledge.
Workplace safety enforcement
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety laws establish basic health and safety rules for workplaces across the province. The laws provide guidance for employers to help ensure workplaces are as healthy and safe as possible while providing rights and protections for workers.
Charges under OHS laws may be laid when failing to follow safety rules results in a fatality or serious injury.
A fatality investigation summary will be posted to the provincial government website 60 to 90 days after court proceedings conclude.
