Tough fines sought for safety violators

Those who violate provincial safety laws will soon be subject to tougher fines and penalties, under new legislation introduced by the Alberta government on Tuesday.

The bill will make changes to three existing acts, including the Safety Codes Act. Under current rules, the maximum fine for anyone violating the act is $15,000 for a first offence and $30,000 for a second offence. The proposed changes will see those top fines increase to $100,000 for a first violation and $500,000 for subsequent wrongdoing.

“There will be no more slaps on the wrist in Alberta; a worker or employer who puts health and safety at risk, or is misleading or unfair in their business dealings, will be held accountable,” Human Services Minister Dave Hancock said in a statement.

The new legislation also deals with violators of the Fair Trading Act. If approved, the changes will see the province introduce administrative penalties of up to $100,000 and increase top fines through the courts to $300,000 from $100,000.

The third act affected is the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The bill will introduce new administrative penalties for those creating unsafe working conditions, and closes some loopholes companies have used to stymie Occupational Health and Safety officers from doing their job.

Hancock said he is also working on a new regulation that will allow officers to issue on-the-spot tickets for safety violations. The change will be ready in 2013, he said.