A significant workplace safety penalty has been imposed following a serious incident at an oil and gas site near Edson, Alberta. An oil and gas company, an engineering firm, and a site supervisor have been collectively fined $216,000 after a worker was severely injured during a well abandonment operation.
Details of the Incident and Court Proceedings
The accident occurred on March 21, 2024. A worker was using an oxy-acetylene torch to cut a wellhead casing when the wellhead dislodged, striking and seriously injuring the individual.
On December 11, 2025, the three parties pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety (OHS) charges in the Edson Court of Justice. Canlin Resource Partnership, the prime contractor, admitted to failing to ensure an employer on site was informed of existing or potential hazards. Ulysses Engineering Inc., a contracting employer, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure work site parties were informed of hazards. Supervisor Matthew Morris pleaded guilty to failing to take necessary precautions to protect a worker under his supervision.
Breakdown of Penalties and Creative Sentence
The court issued a notable creative sentence as part of the penalties. Canlin Resource Partnership was ordered to pay $116,000 to Red Deer Polytechnic. This money is specifically designated to develop enhanced safety training focused on the safe use of oxy-acetylene torch systems. The training program is intended to benefit both trades students and underrepresented groups entering the field.
In addition to the creative sentence, Ulysses Engineering Inc. received a $75,000 fine and was placed under two years of enhanced regulatory supervision. Supervisor Matthew Morris was fined $25,000 and will be under enhanced regulatory supervision for one and a half years. All fines include victim fine surcharges.
Implications for Workplace Safety
This case underscores the stringent enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations in Alberta, particularly in high-risk industries like oil and gas. The creative sentence directing funds to a polytechnic for training development represents a proactive approach to preventing future incidents.
The Crown and the convicted parties have 30 days to appeal the convictions or penalties. The outcome highlights the legal responsibilities of prime contractors, employers, and individual supervisors to identify, communicate, and mitigate hazards to ensure worker safety.
