Sawmill and wood processing operations inspection update

Published on: September 14, 2012

Richmond, B.C., — WorkSafeBC has updated the status of orders issued in Phase I of the combustible dust strategy.

A directive order was issued to all sawmill employers on April 26, 2012. WorkSafeBC officers are ensuring that sawmill employers are in compliance as outlined in that order.

 

Phase I sawmills - Site inspections since October 1, 2012

Type of inspection report # of inspection reports
Completed
149
Outstanding
5
Rescinded
19
Total
173

To date, an additional 458 orders were issued to sawmill employers as a result of worksite inspections conducted in Phase I of the strategy. Of those orders, 52 are outstanding.

Phase II

Phase II of the strategy began July 5, 2012 and includes similar wood processing operations where dust accumulation could be a safety hazard.

 

Phase II summary

Total locations
327
Transmitted inspections
162
Total orders issued
387
Orders outstanding
330
Orders by category  
Dust accumulations
- OHS 5.81 and WCA 115(1)(a)
81
Unsafe compressed air use
- OHS 4.42
5
Dust collection system issues
- OHS 5.71(3) and OHS 5.61
50
Ventilation required
- OHS 5.71
0
Other regulations
256

All current information on inspections and investigations is available on the Sawmills — Inspections and industry resources page.


Contact:

Media and Government Relations
Tel.: 604.276.3113