KELOWNA, B.C. — Norelco Cabinets Ltd., a Kelowna, B.C.-based company has been fined more than $69 thousand for multiple deficiencies  with storage racks in use.

WorkSafeBC said it inspected this firm's cabinet manufacturing plant and observed multiple deficiencies with storage racks in use, including damaged and twisted uprights and missing bolts and anchors. The firm failed to ensure storage racks were capable of safely supporting the items stored on them, a repeated violation. 

In addition, the firm failed to have a qualified person inspect the storage racks for damage at intervals that would prevent the development of unsafe working conditions. The firm also failed to ensure the rated capacity of storage racks was clearly posted, and that the instructions from the manufacturer or an engineer for loading, unloading, and maintaining the storage racks were available to workers. These were all high-risk violations.

The notice said the company did not ensure that the rated capacity of the storage racks was posted.

In a statement to Castanet, Norelco said it has taken workplace safety seriously for the more than 50 years that it has been in business.

“As soon as issues with our storage racking systems were identified, Norelco immediately took the steps necessary to bring its racking systems into compliance, including by replacing and upgrading the affected racks and implementing additional administrative protocols on-site to ensure similar issues will not arise again.”

“It is our position that, in the circumstances and in light of Norelco’s strong history of compliant and safe practices, the penalty was not warranted,” the company’s statement said, adding it is requesting a review of the penalty from the WorkSafeBC’s review division.