Sawmill fined $142K for improper confined space procedures

Company not compliant with permits, air sampling, ventilation

Canadian Forest Products/Canfor was fined $142,497 by WorkSafeBC on Dec. 12, 2017.

 

WorkSafeBC inspected the firm's work site in Mackenzie, B.C. and confirmed that worker entries into a waste conveyor and a baghouse (dust-collection system), both identified as confined spaces, had been permitted before proper precautions were taken.

 

Precautions not taken included the following:

•conducting air sampling as required

•ensuring the spaces had proper air ventilation

•completing entry permits prior to entry

•ensuring appropriate rescue procedures were in place.

 

The firm failed to prepare and implement a confined space entry program before requiring workers to enter a confined space. Further, the firm failed to ensure the health and safety of all workers at its workplace. These were both high-risk violations.

Source: WorkSafeBC