Professional Association Disciplines Company for Tank Failure

On April 24, 2007, a tank roof-support structure at the Horizon Oil Sands Project failed during construction, killing two workers and injuring five others. The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta investigated whether the company responsible for approving designs, design changes, and construction plans, as well as meeting building and safety code requirements, did so in a skilled or professional manner. The company voluntarily admitted to unprofessional conduct in its engagement and supervision of contractors performing engineering work and agreed to pay a $10,000 fine, the maximum allowed under APEGA’s current legislation. In addition, the company will work with APEGA to develop a new practice standard on outsourcing engineering and geoscience work. The company will pay the costs of the standard development (up to $150,000) [Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., APEGA News Release, Jan. 4, 2017].