Global Sports Resources fined after workplace fatality, funds directed to safety initiatives
Global Sports Resources Ltd., a supplier of recreational facility equipment, has been sentenced following a 2022 workplace fatality.
The company, which manufactures boards and glass for hockey rinks and other recreational settings, pleaded guilty to one count of failing to take reasonable precautions to secure equipment that could potentially be dislodged and harm a worker.
In exchange for the guilty plea, the Crown withdrew five additional charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS). A separate seven OHS charges against Reward Construction Ltd., related to the same incident, were also dropped.
The incident occurred on March 31, 2022, at an arena in Tofield. A worker was performing demolition and reclamation work when a support beam broke loose, striking the worker, who then fell from a ladder and sustained fatal injuries.
The court ordered Global Sports Resources to pay $200,000 in penalties. This includes a $25,000 fine, which incorporates a 20% victim fine surcharge. Additionally, the company will provide $75,000 to STARS Air Ambulance to support operational costs, and it will contribute $100,000 to the Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association. These funds will go toward developing a line-of-fire awareness campaign aimed at reducing similar workplace risks.
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Under the OHS Act, a creative sentencing option allows fines to be directed toward organizations or projects that advance workplace safety rather than paid directly as penalties.
Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.
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