Westpower Equipment fined $330,000 after crane operator killed in Calgary

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An Alberta company has been fined a total of $330,000 after a crane operator was killed on the job.

The incident happened in Calgary on March 3, 2022. The worker, an employee of Westpower Equipment Ltd., was operating an overhead crane to install a pump cover when the cover released from the rigging. It struck the worker, causing fatal injuries.

Westpower Equipment pleaded guilty to one charge under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker. The Crown withdrew 22 other charges under OHS legislation.

The company was fined $330,000 including the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge. Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalty.