Liquid from a decommissioned pipeline ignited and overflowed from a portable flare stack, injuring worker
Alberta employer O’Reilly Oilfield Services Ltd. has been fined $90,000 after one of its workers was “severely burned” in a workplace incident, according to the provincial government.
The fine is inclusive of the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge.
The incident happened on an oil and gas site near Valleyview on July 7, 2021. One worker was burned when liquid from a decommissioned pipeline ignited and overflowed from a portable flare stack.
“O’Reilly Oilfield Services Ltd. pleaded guilty to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to take necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of workers under its supervision,” said the Alberta government.
Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.
The company was sentenced on Oct. 7 in the Grande Prairie Court of Justice. The Crown withdrew five other charges under OHS legislation against the company. Also, the Crown withdrew 15 charges under OHS legislation against Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. related to the same incident.
“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,” said the provincial government.
