HTK Iron Works Ltd. pleaded guilty to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker. The company was sentenced on Oct. 2 in the Medicine Hat Court of Justice. The Crown withdrew four other charges under OHS legislation.
The charges stem from an incident at a metal fabrication shop near Burdett on Feb. 1, 2023. A worker died after being struck by a fabricated windbreak panel that fell from a moving forklift.
HTK Iron Works Ltd. has been fined $360,000 inclusive of the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge.
Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.
Alberta’s OHS laws set basic health and safety rules for workplaces across the province. They provide guidance for employers to help them ensure their 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 the rules results in a workplace fatality or serious injury.
Quick facts
- Jobs, Economy and Trade does not provide sentence documents. These are available through the Medicine Hat Court of Justice.