A Red Deer court has fined an oil company $100,000 after a worker was seriously injured by equipment at a Rocky Mountain House worksite in 2023. Par Energy Services Inc. pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker under the Occupational Health and Safety Code. In February 2023, the worker came into contact with moving gears inside a power tong while casing was being installed in a horizontal well. Par Energy was ordered to put the money toward Red Deer Polytechnic’s Matthew Schwartz Memorial Endowment Fund, which offers scholarships for students who demonstrate a commitment to safety in the workplace. All other charges against Par Energy were withdrawn. Another company involved in the worksite, Savanna Drilling Corp., also had its charges withdrawn in relation to the injury. The company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalty.
