Birchcliff Energy Ltd. has been charged in relation to a workplace fatality dating back to October 2023.
According to Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, the company faces 18 counts under the province’s OHS Act. The alleged violations include failing to provide proper equipment, establish safe work systems and ensure workers were adequately trained.
Officials allege that on Oct. 10, 2023, a contractor at a Birchcliff facility near Bay Tree, Alta., fell into an open water reservoir while gathering a sample and suffered a fatal injury.
Birchcliff President and CEO Chris Carlsen, said in a statement, “Birchcliff continues to be deeply saddened by this tragic event. We continue to recognize the incredible loss that his family, colleagues and friends have suffered and we have taken meaningful steps to support the family.”
The charges were laid on Aug. 22, 2025, following a prolonged investigation by OHS.
