Sawmill and wood processing operations inspection update
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
| Directive Order Status | Count (sawmill locations) |
|---|---|
| Completed | 146 |
| Outstanding | 8 |
| Rescinded | 19 |
| Total | 173 |
To date, an additional 439 orders were issued to sawmill employers as a result of worksite inspections conducted in Phase I of the strategy. Of those orders, 58 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 | 266 |
| Transmitted inspections | 77 |
| Total orders issued | 230 |
| Orders outstanding | 207 |
| Orders by category | |
| Dust accumulations - OHS 5.81 and WCA 115(1)(a) |
46 |
| Unsafe compressed air use - OHS 4.42 |
3 |
| Dust collection system issues - OHS 5.71(3) and OHS 5.61 |
26 |
| Ventilation required - OHS 5.71 |
0 |
| Other regulations | 155 |
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