In a case that highlights the importance of workplace safety in the oil and gas sector, Steel View Energy and Industrial Services LTD and Strathcona Resources LTD have both pleaded guilty to failing to comply with their duties as employers, leading to a serious workplace injury. The charges stem from an incident that occurred in December 2022, when a worker was critically injured while on-site near Major, Saskatchewan.
Steel View, contracted by Strathcona Resources to replace broken rods at the well site, was performing routine maintenance when the accident occurred. An injection clamp, which had been loosened during the work, suddenly became a deadly projectile. The bolts holding the clamp in place sheared off, causing the clamp to strike a worker in the leg, resulting in a serious injury. The injured worker was immediately rushed to Provost, Alberta Hospital, where he spent over 72 hours under medical care.
Investigations revealed that the risk of bolt shearing on the injection clamp was a known safety issue. Strathcona Resources had implemented a policy requiring the injection clamp to be removed, rather than simply loosened, to prevent such incidents. However, this critical safety protocol was not communicated to Steel View, contributing to the incident.
As a result of the injury, the worker continues to experience significant, lifelong complications with his leg. Despite the severity of his injuries, he remains employed by Steel View in a light-duty role and is currently being trained for a new position focused on safety within the company.
Both companies have accepted responsibility for the incident and pleaded guilty to failing to provide proper plans, provisions, and maintenance of the work environment. Steel View Energy has been fined $55,000, while Strathcona Resources has been fined $85,000 for their roles in the safety failures.
The case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of clear communication and adherence to safety protocols, especially in high-risk industries like oil and gas. It also highlights the real-world impact of these failures, as the injured worker continues to deal with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident.