Business in Burdett facing several OHS violations over worker fatality in 2023

A fabrication shop in Burdett faces five counts of contravening occupational health and safety regulations after a worker was killed in an accident last year.

Alberta OHS officials reported that charges were laid earlier this month against HTK Iron Works, Ltd.

On Feb. 1, 2023, a labourer was crushed when a windbreak panel fell on him when it was being lifted out of the manufacturing facility with a forklift, according to investigators.

HTK Iron Works faces two counts of failing to ensure the safety of workers, permitting workers in proximity of equipment, operating equipment outside the manufacturer’s specifications and failing to contain material in a safe manner.

The matter appeared in Alberta Court of Justice in Medicine Hat on Wednesday.

Lawyers for both the company and province told court that a large amount of disclosure is involved and discussions toward resolution are proceeding.

The matter was adjourned to June 27.

Drug bust

Police have arrested and charged a man just released after a lengthy drug-dealing sentence.

Aaron Grant Hotchen, 59, made a first appearance in Provincial Court of Justice at Medicine Hat on Wednesday to face two counts of possessing narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and one charge of obstructing a police officer.

The provincial ALERT policing unit made the arrest this week, as well as taking into custody Melissa Dawn Shpak, 34, who faces similar charges. A proposed bail hearing was adjourned until Thursday.

Hotchen was arrested in 2016 and was eventually sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for operating a drug-dealing network from a rural property in Seven Persons and then continuing to direct criminal activity from the Medicine Hat Remand Centre.