An agricultural crop supply company has been ordered to pay $125,000 after a workplace incident in Redwater, Alta., left a worker seriously injured.
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Nutrien (Canada) Holdings ULC pleaded guilty in the Fort Saskatchewan Court of Justice on June 10 to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker.
The Crown subsequently withdrew 16 other counts against the company.
The charges stem from a May 2, 2023 incident. According to officials, workers were participating in a familiarization tour of an ammonia rail car system when several individuals were sprayed with a harmful substance. One worker suffered serious injuries as a result.
Under a creative sentencing option provided by Alberta’s OHS laws, the $125,000 penalty will not be paid as a traditional fine. Instead, the funds will be directed to Emergency Response Assistance Canada.
The organization will use the funding to develop and deliver specialized ammonia safety training for first responders. The project will include a free online curriculum alongside in-person, hands-on training tailored to rail and industrial incidents in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.
Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or the penalty.
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