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Sawmill and wood processing operations inspection update

Published on: September 27, 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 summary

Directive Order Status Count (sawmill locations)
Completed
152
No further action
1
Outstanding
1
Rescinded
19
Total
173

To date, an additional 470 orders were issued to sawmill employers as a result of worksite inspections conducted in Phase I of the strategy. Of those orders, 44 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
307
Transmitted inspections
180
Total orders issued
477
Orders outstanding
333
Orders by category  
Dust accumulations
- OHS 5.81 and WCA 115(1)(a)
91
Unsafe compressed air use
- OHS 4.42
6
Dust collection system issues
- OHS 5.71(3) and OHS 5.61
51
Ventilation required
- OHS 5.71
0
Other regulations
329

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