Sawmill and wood processing operations inspection update
Richmond, B.C. — WorkSafeBC has provided an update on inspections of sawmills and other wood processing operations that comprise Phases I and II of the combustible dust strategy.
A directive order was issued to all sawmill employers on April 26, 2012. All operational sawmills inspected as part of Phase I of the strategy have complied with the directive order. WorkSafeBC is now reporting on inspections that have occurred since October 1, 2012 as officers revisit Phase I sawmills.
Phase I sawmills - Site inspections since October 1, 2012
| Type of inspection report | # of inspection reports |
|---|---|
| Combustible dust related | 53 |
| Combustible dust related, with orders | 13 |
| Combustible dust, order follow up | 6 |
| Unrelated to combustible dust | 87 |
| Total IR count | 140 |
| Total locations: 172 | |
Phace 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 | 240 |
| First inspection | 221 |
| Follow up inspections | 128 |
| Follow up required | 116 |
| Total orders issued | 688 |
| Orders outstanding | 188 |
| Orders by category | |
| Dust accumulations - OHS 5.81 and WCA 115(1)(a) |
112 |
| Unsafe compressed air use - OHS 4.42 |
11 |
| Dust collection system issues - OHS 5.71(3) and OHS 5.61 |
62 |
| Ventilation required - OHS 5.71 |
1 |
| Other regulations | 502 |
All current information on inspections and investigations is available on the Sawmills — Investigations and industry resources page.
Contact:
Media and Government Relations
Tel.: 604.276.3113