Alberta company to pay $296K following 2021 workplace fatality
A construction company in Brooks, Alta., has been ordered to pay a sizable fine after it was found guilty of violating Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
On March 6, Brooks Asphalt and Aggregate Ltd. pleaded guilty to one charge for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker in connection with a workplace accident from nearly three years ago.
On July 23, 2021, a worker asphyxiated while they were cleaning out a bin with a running conveyor in Newell County.
The company, along with its parent company Smith Group Holdings Ltd., were originally charged with 15 counts under the OHS Act, but last week's ruling saw all other charges against Brooks Asphalt and Aggregate dropped.
The charges against Smith Group Holdings Ltd. were also withdrawn.
As a result of the incident, the company was told to pay $295,000 in penalties plus a $1,000 fine.
Officials say the money will be used to help prevent similar workplace deaths.
"Under a creative sentence, $244,000 will be provided to the Alberta Construction Safety Association to develop a three-dimensional incident re-creation video, a series of learning videos, a toolbox talk resource guide and a safety session open to all industries," officials said in a news release.
The remainder will be given to the Brooks Fire Department to pay for new rescue equipment, the government said.
The company and Crown have 30 days to appeal the sentence, if they wish to do so.
Since 2017, OHS has imposed 42 creative sentences on companies involved in workplace accidents.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It's not realistic': Former PM Chretien thinks Trump will back off trade war
Former prime minister Jean Chretien says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is likely to walk back his threat of punishing tariffs and the resulting trade war with Canada, because the Americans are too reliant on a number of Canadian exports, namely in the energy sector.
This Canadian teen lost her hands and feet to an infection. She's on a mission to share her story
A Canadian teen is reaching audiences around the world with powerful social media videos showing life without hands and feet – the price she paid after developing sepsis.
'I didn't want to go cold turkey:' Environment Canada's David Phillips on why he keeps working after retirement
When Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips retired this past September, he wasn’t quite ready to call it a career.
‘People are excited’: Portion of Rideau Canal Skateway opens for the first time this year
A section of the Rideau Canal Skateway has opened for the first time this winter.
Black boxes from South Korea plane crash failed to record final 4 minutes, officials say
The black boxes of a Boeing jetliner that crashed in South Korea last month stopped recording about four minutes before the accident, South Korean officials said Saturday, possibly complicating investigations into the cause of the disaster that killed 179 people.
Brothers defrauded by B.C. Realtor win $86K in compensation
Two brothers who gave a combined $86,000 to a Realtor who later pleaded guilty to fraud and declared bankruptcy have won compensation in B.C. Supreme Court.
With their Los Angeles-area homes still smoldering, families return to search the ruins for memories
Since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, scores of residents have returned to their still smoldering neighborhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the nation's second-largest city remained unsettled.
Vancouver strip club's X account suspended over cheeky marquee message
The marquee at The Penthouse strip club in downtown Vancouver is known for its edgy comments on politics and pop culture.
The implications for Canada if Trump goes through with his punishing Tariffs
A trillion dollars worth of Canadian goods and services are exported out of the country annually with a third of it going to the United States. One economist says if Trump imposes a 25 per cent tariff on those goods, it will be detrimental to the Canadian economy.
Edmonton
-
Alberta schools drafting contingency plans ahead of looming support worker strike
Alberta's Opposition NDP is calling on the provincial government to act as thousands of school support workers prepare to walk off the job in Edmonton and some nearby communities.
-
With their Los Angeles-area homes still smoldering, families return to search the ruins for memories
Since the flames erupted in and around Los Angeles, scores of residents have returned to their still smoldering neighborhoods even as the threat of new fires persisted and the nation's second-largest city remained unsettled.
-
Man, 20, charged in central Edmonton homicide
Kellen Lee Carr-Mandrusiak was charged with second-degree murder in the death of 30-year-old Brandon Lee Cardinal on Sept. 14.
Lethbridge
-
'Good neighbours': Montana residents share thoughts on Trump's '51st state' threat
As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to annex Canada, some residents in Montana are sharing their thoughts on the idea of Canada becoming the “51st state.”
-
Man dies after falling into sink hole at Fernie Alpine Resort
An investigation is underway by Elk Valley RCMP after a man died Wednesday after falling into a sink hole at Fernie Alpine Resort.
-
One Alberta man gets jail, another community time for 2022 Coutts border protest
Two Alberta men have been sentenced for their roles in the illegal Coutts border blockade in 2022.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver website now lists politician perks, aiming for more transparency
From hockey tickets to VIP seats for the Celebration of Light, Vancouver’s mayor and council were gifted tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of freebies in 2024.
-
Vancouver strip club's X account suspended over cheeky marquee message
The marquee at The Penthouse strip club in downtown Vancouver is known for its edgy comments on politics and pop culture.
-
‘That’s what good neighbours do’: B.C. sending help to fight California wildfires
British Columbia is preparing to deploy B.C. wildfire crews to southern California.
Vancouver Island
-
The dark side of B.C.'s capital: 'They can literally groom hundreds of youth at one time, just with a keyboard'
The picturesque city that is B.C.'s capital has an unseen sinister side that many people are not even aware of.
-
B.C. RCMP officer charged with sexual assault, uttering threats
A British Columbia RCMP officer has been suspended with pay as he faces criminal charges of sexual assault and uttering threats.
-
Does money buy happiness? It depends what you buy and where you live, study says
If you have extra cash lying around, what should you buy? For anyone analyzing their budget for the new year, researchers have a framework that might help get the most satisfaction out of spending.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatchewan health minister signs on to federal deal for rare disease drugs
Saskatchewan Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill has signed a deal with the federal government to expand access to medication for people with rare diseases.
-
Sask. schools among those affected by recent cyberattack
A recent cybersecurity incident targeting PowerSchool, a student information software provider, has compromised data from Prairie Spirit School Division.
-
'The biggest tournament in Western Canada': BRIT 55 is underway in Saskatoon
A prestigious high school basketball tournament is underway at the Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon.
Regina
-
Snowfall warning in effect for parts of southwest Sask., some areas could see up to 50 cm
A snowfall warning is in effect for parts of southwest Saskatchewan on Friday, with potential for some areas to reach up to 50 centimetres over the weekend.
-
Broncos gear up for playoff run while Pats, Warriors look to the future as WHL's trade deadline passes
While headed in opposite directions as franchises, it was a busy trade season for Saskatchewan’s Western Hockey League (WHL) clubs.
-
'Everything is gone': Sask. business owner loses Los Angeles home to wildfires
A Saskatchewan business owner lost her Los Angeles home as wildfires ravage parts of the city.
Toronto
-
Woman charged after man found stabbed in burning Toronto apartment
A 29-year-old woman is facing charges after a man was found with stab wounds in a burning apartment in downtown Toronto Friday morning.
-
'I didn't want to go cold turkey:' Environment Canada's David Phillips on why he keeps working after retirement
When Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips retired this past September, he wasn’t quite ready to call it a career.
-
This Canadian teen lost her hands and feet to an infection. She's on a mission to share her story
A Canadian teen is reaching audiences around the world with powerful social media videos showing life without hands and feet – the price she paid after developing sepsis.
Montreal
-
27 years after Quebec ice storm, Montrealers find themselves in L.A. wildfire's smoke
Montrealers, accustomed to ice storms, snow and cold, found themselves in Los Angeles this week as major wildfires raged throughout the region.
-
Armed assault leaves teen injured in Montreal North
Montreal police (SPVM) confirmed that a 15-year-old was injured during an armed assault in Montreal North on Friday night.
-
Montreal's Auger-Aliassime downs top-seed Paul to reach final at Adelaide International
Canada's Félix Auger-Aliassime advanced to the final of the Adelaide International on Friday, defeating top-seeded American Tommy Paul in the semifinals.
Atlantic
-
As N.S. domestic abuse rises, daughter of murdered woman seeks more open discussion
The daughter of a Nova Scotia woman killed by her husband is calling for greater public discussion about domestic violence, saying she learned too late about the warning signs in her mother's relationship.
-
What happened to the Oxford sinkhole? Man bought the land and now lives on it
Oxford, N.S. developer Mervil Rushton purchased a sinkhole and bought it, but geologists warn the area is still “high risk.”
-
'It's not realistic': Former PM Chretien thinks Trump will back off trade war
Former prime minister Jean Chretien says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is likely to walk back his threat of punishing tariffs and the resulting trade war with Canada, because the Americans are too reliant on a number of Canadian exports, namely in the energy sector.
Winnipeg
-
'Incredible act of kindness': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
-
Crown attorneys warn of heavy caseloads and vacancies putting the public at risk
Manitoba’s Crown attorneys are sounding the alarm over rising crime, caseloads and vacancies which they say are putting the public at risk.
-
Silver alert issued for 73-year-old man
Winnipeg police are concerned for the well-being of a missing senior.
Ottawa
-
Homicide investigation underway after man found dead in Barrhaven
A 58-year-old man was found dead Friday night in an area close to the Stonebridge Golf Course.
-
‘People are excited’: Portion of Rideau Canal Skateway opens for the first time this year
A section of the Rideau Canal Skateway has opened for the first time this winter.
-
Ottawa public school board to only offer Enhanced English and French Immersion in new elementary program model
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is looking at consolidating elementary school programs into two – Enhanced English and French Immersion - and will phase out some special education programs as part changes to its programs.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. friends prepare for 450-km ski and snowshoe trek
Jean-Philippe Marineau and Patrice Beauparlant, lifelong friends who grew up in Hearst, Ont., are training for a 450-km trek from Fort Albany to Hearst, Ont.
-
It's sick season. Here's how to protect yourself from norovirus, COVID-19, flu and RSV
While many of the germs that cause this misery can circulate throughout the year, scientists think that the winter surge of flu and cold activity may be because we spend more time indoors and the cold, dry air may weaken our defences.
-
Two charged with first-degree murder, arson in northern Ont.
A man and a woman from Blind River have been charged with first-degree murder and a third person has been charged with accessory to murder after the fact.
Barrie
-
Former student charged with attempted murder in Collingwood school threat investigation
Ontario Provincial Police have added a number of charges to a young man who threatened Collingwood school in 2024.
-
Fisherman rescued from Lake Simcoe in Innisfil
A fisherman had a close call on Lake Simcoe after becoming stranded on an ice flow off the 30th Sideroad in Innisfil Friday.
-
Shift in bridge closes historical Bracebridge Silver Bridge indefinitely
Bracebridge's historical Silver Bridge will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Kitchener
-
Former Stratford, Ont. business owner facing 31 new fraud charges
New fraud charges have been laid against a former restaurant and business owner in Stratford.
-
Gastroenteritis at the University of Guelph: 190 students reportedly sick
The number of gastroenteritis cases at the University of Guelph has risen to 190.
-
Waterloo, Ont. woman's lucky break: How her lottery win will help kids with disabilities
A lucky lottery ticket will end up benefitting an Ontario centre that supports kids with disabilities and their families.
London
-
Military personnel training in Lobo area today
Training in Middlesex Centre will see a heavy military presence, with army reserve personnel training on patrolling, land navigation, snow defenses and survival in cold weather.
-
Illegal dumpers put on notice in south London
Fed up with garbage being dumped along roadways and in vacant lots, one south London resident is fighting back with his cell phone.
-
London’s green bin program one year in
It’s been one year since London launched its green bin program alongside bi-weekly garbage collection.
Windsor
-
CTV News Windsor’s top stories from this week
In case you missed it, CTV News Windsor has compiled all of the top local stories from this week into one video.
-
City of Windsor buys vacant west-end school to boost housing, curb crime concerns
The City of Windsor's recent purchase of a west-end school was driven by the need for more housing and the desire to prevent another vacant space from becoming a crime hotspot, according to one councillor.
-
'Something needs to be done':Transit Windsor rider gets support on both sides of border as petition to save tunnel bus nears 3000 signatures
A Windsor resident who created a petition in an effort to save the tunnel bus from being eliminated is gathering support on both sides of the Windsor/Detroit border.
