Pump cover strikes, causing fatal injuries
Alberta employer Westpower Equipment Ltd. was fined $330,000 in total for a 2022 incident that resulted in a fatality in the workplace.
The employer was fined $275,000 plus a $55,000 victim fine surcharge, for the incident.
The incident happened on a Calgary worksite on March 3, 2022. The worker was operating an overhead crane to install a pump cover.
The cover released from the rigging and struck the worker. The worker was a male in his 60s.
The worker suffered fatal injuries.
“Alberta’s [Occupational Health and Safety (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,” said the provincial government.
“Charges under OHS laws may be laid when failing to follow the rules results in a workplace fatality or serious injury.”
Westpower Equipment, on Aug. 22, 2023, was charged with 23 counts: 9 charges are under the province’s OHS Act and 14 stem from violations of the OHS Code. Many of the charges specifically reference a failure to establish, implement, and enforce a safe procedure for the installation of a Flowserve HDX pump cover.
According to CTV News, at the time of the incident, David Goddard, president of Westpower, expressed the company's profound sorrow and commitment to safety:
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed member of the Westpower family. The safety and well-being of our employees are paramount, and our thoughts are with the victim's family and colleagues during this incredibly challenging time. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, but are unable to provide further comments at this juncture."
The Crown withdrew 22 other charges under OHS legislation, according to a CTV News report.
Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalty.
