Fines double what was collected in 2010
Alberta courts handed out workplace health and safety penalties of more than $3.4 million in 2011, double the $1.7 million collected in 2010.
More than $2.3 million of the $3.4 million in penalties in 2011 was in creative sentences paid to third parties, such as post-secondary institutions, training programs, rescue societies and other organizations that advance workplace health and safety. Individual creative sentences in 2011 ranged from $29,000 to $355,000. A creative sentence provided the Fort McMurray/Wood Buffalo office of St. John Ambulance with more than $330,000 for a new classroom training facility and to certify about 1,000 high school students in standard first aid. “We are very honoured to be considered for these funds,” said Beverly Lafortune, vice-president of training and community services for St. John Ambulance, Alberta council. “We’re committed to ensuring there will be plenty of positive outcomes from a tragic workplace incident.” In 2002, occupational health and safety legislation in the province was amended to allow for creative sentences. Since 2006, more than $10 million has been directed to organizations that promote workplace health and safety. For a full list of OHS convictions and current charges before the courts, visit employment.alberta.ca/whs-prosecutions.
“My first choice is to have no workplace injuries or fatalities, no charges and no convictions,” said Minister of Human Services Dave Hancock. “However, when the law is broken, we need to send strong messages that the health and safety of Albertans must be a priority.”
