CHILLIWACK, B.C. -- Woodtone Industries Inc. was fined nearly $90,000 for repeated instances of a 'high risk' safety violation.

A representative for WorkSafeBC told Woodworking Network that the Chilliwack, B.C., facility faced a penalty of $88,348.85 for repeated instances where an inspector observed a worker cleaning nozzles on a pressurized paint machine that was not locked out.

“The firm failed to isolate and effectively control energy sources if the unexpected startup could cause injury,” according to a WorkSafeBC public posting about the fine.

Woodtone manufactures interior and exterior siding, trim, posts, corners, and wood paneling products for residential and commercial applications.

According to Worksafe BC statistics: 

• Manufacturing in B.C. has an injury rate that is 24 percent higher than the provincial average.
• In 2021, there were over 19,000 time-loss injuries in the manufacturing sector in B.C. and close to 4,000 of these were serious injuries.
• Manufacturing workers are most at risk of injury by being caught in or struck by machinery — with fractures and lacerations to the fingers, hands and wrists being the most common injuries.