WorkSafeBC is expanding its order to clean up potentially explosive wood dust in sawmills to also include other wood processing operations.
The order already included pulp and paper mills.
The safety agency initially ordered the cleanup of sawmills this spring after two deadly explosions in northern B.C. killed four workers and injured dozens more.
Until the end of the year, WorkSafeBC officers will be inspecting up to 280 B.C. employers registered in the wood and paper products subsectors. Inspections will focus on dust cleanup, ventilation, and dust control issues.
“Wood processing and paper product operations have been selected because of their high risk of combustible dust explosion due to large amounts of dust produced or handled in these facilities,” Betty Pirs, Vice-President, Prevention Services says in a news release.
“Like all WorkSafeBC inspections, orders will be issued to employers based on violations observed during the inspections.”
WorkSafeBC aims to complete the first round of inspections by late August, and will be following up with employers to ensure they are in compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation in regard to combustible dust and potential safety hazards.
Phase two inspections will also include sawmill facilities inspected as part of Phase I, that are continuing to face challenges in maintaining compliance.
