Worker from subcontractor’s firm seriously injured when vacuuming ash
West Fraser Mills has been fined $637,415 by WorkSafeBC. This firm is the owner and prime contractor at a fibreboard plant in Quesnel, B.C. A worker from a subcontractor’s firm was vacuuming ash from a hatch midway up a multi-cone hopper when compacted hot ash in the multi-cone broke free. The ash rushed out of the hatch onto the worker, causing serious injuries. WorkSafeBC’s investigation determined that the prime contractor had not conducted an adequate assessment of the risks associated with accumulated hot ash. Safe work procedures had not been communicated to the subcontractor firm, and the subcontractor’s workers had not been trained in the work task.
As owner, West Fraser Mills failed to provide the information necessary to identify and control hazards to the health and safety of workers, a repeated violation. The firm also failed to instruct workers in safe work procedures and provide adequate personal protective equipment for work around extreme temperature sources. In addition, the firm failed to provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure workers’ health and safety.
Source: WorkSafeBC
