Arbutus Landscaping Inc., as a prime contractor, pleaded guilty on Aug. 19 in the Edmonton Court of Justice to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to establish a system or process to ensure compliance with OHS laws. All remaining charges against Arbutus Landscaping Inc. were withdrawn.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred Dec. 11, 2023, at a construction site in Edmonton. A worker died after falling through a roof.
The court fined the company $318,000, including the victim fine surcharge.
The company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalty.
Albatross Roofing Ltd. was charged with OHS offences related to the same incident. The company will be sentenced Sept. 10 in the Edmonton Court of Justice.
Alberta’s OHS laws set basic health and safety rules for workplaces across the province. They provide guidance for employers to help them ensure their workplaces are as healthy and safe as possible while providing rights and protections for workers. Charges under OHS laws may be laid when failing to follow the rules results in a fatality or serious injury.
Quick facts
- Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration does not provide sentence documents. These are available through the Edmonton Court of Justice.