Southern Alberta company fined following workplace death

Southern Alberta Newspapers

A metal fabrication company based in Burdett, west of Medicine Hat, has been fined $360,000 following the death of a worker who was struck by a fabricated windbreak panel that fell from a moving forklift near the hamlet of Grassy Lake.

HTK Iron Works Ltd. pled guilty to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of the worker engaging in work for HTK Iron Works.

The company was sentenced on Oct. 2 in the Medicine Hat Court of Justice for the offence that took place on February 1, 2023. The Crown withdrew four other charges under Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

The fine of $360,000 is inclusive of a 20 per cent victim fine surcharge. Both the Crown and company have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.