Worker was struck by a vehicle driven by the supervisor
Alberta employer Volker Stevin Contracting Ltd. has been fined $480,000, including the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge, after one worker was fatally injured in the workplace.
The incident happened on Oct. 2, 2019. A worker who was working near a storm drain on a residential street in Airdrie. The worker was struck by a vehicle driven by the supervisor.
The worker suffered fatal injuries.
Michael O’Neill, the supervisor, was also fined $66,000, including the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge.
Both the employer and the supervisor were convicted under occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation in the Calgary Court of Justice on April 11, 2024. They were sentenced on June 20. Their trial took place in multiple phases during 2023 and 2024.
The company was convicted under the OHS Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker and under the OHS Code for permitting a worker to remain within range of moving equipment.
Meanwhile, the supervisor was convicted under the OHS Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker and under the OHS Code for exposing a worker to danger from moving equipment.
“Alberta’s OHS laws set basic health and safety rules for the province’s workplaces,” said the Alberta government.
“They provide guidance for employers to help them ensure their workplaces are as healthy and safe as possible while also providing rights and protections for workers. Charges under OHS laws may be enforced when failing to follow the rules results in a workplace fatality or serious injury.”
The company, supervisor and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the sentences.
