Surrey, B.C. company did not have proper protections in place for silica
Labour Unlimited of Surrey, B.C. has been fined $14,345 by WorkSafeBC.
This firm supplied temporary labour to a metal foundry plant. WorkSafeBC inspected the work site and observed that workers were engaged in work to clean up sand inside a confined space.
The sand contained crystalline silica, and controls to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust were inadequate. WorkSafeBC also determined that one of the firm's workers had refused to do work because of concerns about the safety and had reported those concerns to a supervisor, but no one from the firm had investigated or taken corrective action.
The firm failed to train workers in the hazards of RCS dust, safe work procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment. The firm also failed to train its workers in the hazards of and safe work practices for confined spaces.
In addition, the firm failed to conduct regular inspections of workplaces, and failed to take corrective action after receiving a report of unsafe conditions. Finally, the firm failed to provide its workers with the information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety.
These were all high-risk violations.
Source: WorkSafeBC
