Significant amendments were recently made to the Alberta Safety Codes Act, RSA 2000, c S-1 (the Safety Code). Prior to these amendments taking effect the maximum fines for violating the Safety Code were much lower; $15,000 for a first offence and $30,000 for a second offence. As a result of the new changes Safety Code fines have dramatically increased; the maximum fine for a first offence is now $100,000 and the maximum fine for a second offence is $500,000.
Safety Code fines are now more in line with other Alberta legislation, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, wherein fines for violations resulting in serious injury are routinely upwards of six figures.
These changes are especially important to the construction industry and any business that owns or manages property in Alberta.
