Sawmill and Wood Processing Operations Inspection Update

RICHMOND, BC — 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 revisits

Phase I sawmills - Site inspections since October 1, 2012
Type of inspection report # of inspection reports
Combustible dust related
47
Combustible dust related, with orders
13
Combustible dust, order follow up
6
Unrelated to combustible dust
74
Total IR count
121
Total locations: 172

 

Phase 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
121
Total orders issued
672
Orders outstanding
221
Orders by category
Dust accumulations
- OHS 5.81 and WCA 115(1)(a)
108
Unsafe compressed air use
- OHS 4.42
10
Dust collection system issues
- OHS 5.71(3) and OHS 5.61
61
Ventilation required
- OHS 5.71
1
Other regulations
492

All current information on inspections and investigations is available on the Sawmills — Investigations and industry resources page.

Source: WorkSafeBC

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