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 - Site inspections since October 1, 2012
| Directive Order Status | Count (sawmill locations) |
|---|---|
| Completed | 152 |
| Outstanding | 2 |
| Rescinded | 19 |
| Total | 173 |
To date, an additional 463 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 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 | 320 |
| Transmitted inspections | 171 |
| Total orders issued | 446 |
| Orders outstanding | 335 |
| Orders by category | |
| Dust accumulations - OHS 5.81 and WCA 115(1)(a) |
84 |
| 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 | 305 |
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