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EDMONTON — An oil and gas company, an engineering firm and a supervisor pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety (OHS) charges on Dec. 11 in the Edson Court of Justice in relation to a 2024 incident where a worker was hurt while working on a well.

According to a release, a worker was using a torch to cut a wellhead casing for removal as part of a well abandonment process. The wellhead dislodged, striking and seriously injuring the worker.

Canlin Resources Partnership, as the prime contractor, pleaded guilty to one count under the OHS Act for failing to ensure an employer on a worksite was informed of existing or potential hazards. The Crown withdrew seven other counts.

Ulysses Engineering Inc., as the contracting employer, pleaded guilty to one count under the OHS Act for failing to ensure worksite parties were informed of existing or potential hazards. The Crown withdrew two other counts.

Matthew Morris, as supervisor, pleaded guilty to one charge under the OHS Act for failing to take precautions necessary to protect the health and safety of a worker under his supervision. The Crown withdrew three other charges. 

Under a creative sentence, Canlin Resources Partnership was ordered to pay $116,000 to Red Deer Polytechnic to develop a training program for the safe use of oxy-acetylene torch systems.

Ulysses Engineering Inc. was fined $75,000, including the victim fine surcharge, and was placed on two years of enhanced regulatory supervision.

Morris was fined $25,000, including the victim fine surcharge, and was placed on one-and-a-half-years of enhanced regulatory supervision.

The OHS Act provides a creative sentence option in which funds that would otherwise be paid as fines are directed to an organization or project to improve or promote workplace health and safety, the release adds.

Both the parties and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.