On Dec. 18, 2025, Triple 7 Excavating Ltd. pleaded guilty in North Battleford Provincial Court to two violations of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.
The charges stem from a trench collapse on June 28, 2022, near the rural municipality of Parkdale, Saskatchewan. A worker was seriously injured in the incident.
The company admitted it failed to notify Occupational Health and Safety officials as soon as reasonably possible after the worker was admitted to hospital for more than 72 hours.
It also admitted it failed to ensure proper protection from cave-ins for a worker in a trench deeper than 1.2 metres.
One additional charge was stayed.
Court imposes $58,100 total penalty
The court fined the company $41,500.
A victim fine surcharge of $16,600 was also imposed, bringing the total penalty to $58,100.
Under Saskatchewan regulations, employers must immediately notify the Occupational Health and Safety Division when a serious workplace injury results in extended hospitalization. Employers must also ensure workers in trenches deeper than 1.2 metres are protected from collapse through proper shoring, sloping, or trench boxes.
Trench collapses are among the most dangerous construction hazards. Soil can shift suddenly, leaving little time to react.
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety states it works with employers and workers to prevent workplace injuries through education, intervention, and enforcement.
The case serves as a reminder that workplace safety rules are not optional, especially in high-risk environments like excavation work.
Read more: Lloydminster area helps drive $7M Crown oil and gas sale to close fiscal year
