20 fines were issued during the month for a range of offences
In December 2024, WorkSafeBC imposed a total of 20 penalties across various industries, amounting to over $90,000 in fines. The penalties highlighted repeated and high-risk violations, ranging from inadequate fall protection to failure to manage hazardous materials effectively.
The construction sector represented most of these violations, with several firms cited for exposing workers to fall risks or failing to comply with safety standards. However, other industries, including agriculture and retail, also faced significant fines for non-compliance with workplace safety regulations.
Highlighting the largest penalties
One of the most substantial penalties was issued to Maan Farms Ltd., based in Abbotsford, for a total of $21,179.18. Inspectors observed a tractor pulling a wagon on a public highway without a required rollover protection structure (ROPS), exposing workers to severe safety hazards. According to the report, the firm "failed to ensure mobile equipment was used with a ROPS," a crucial safety standard in agricultural operations.
Another significant fine was levied on Nanak Siding Ltd., which received a penalty of $10,000.00. Inspectors observed workers on a ladder-jack scaffold system at a three-story house construction site without any fall protection in place. The penalty summary stated, "No form of fall protection was in place, exposing the workers to a fall risk greater than 7 m (23 ft.)."
Persistent Issues
Fall protection failures remained a recurring theme in December’s penalties, with fines issued to firms across the construction sector. In one case, CLT Roofing Ltd. in Chilliwack faced a penalty of $2,500.00 after inspectors observed workers wearing fall protection harnesses but failing to connect them to lifelines. Similarly, Cross Blade Framing Ltd. in Langley Township was fined $5,000.00 for a similar violation.
Hazardous materials management was another area of concern. MJK Management Ltd. and Paradise Hixton Motel Ltd. were penalized for failing to conduct hazardous materials inspections before beginning renovation work. At the Paradise Hixton Motel site, inspectors found workers exposed to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The firm also failed to secure the site during a stop-work order, a violation described as "a high-risk violation."
Hagensborg Supermarket Ltd. in Hagensborg received a fine of $5,797.74 for failing to comply with WorkSafeBC orders related to conducting a violence risk assessment and establishing a joint health and safety committee.
Awareness and accountability
The fines imposed by WorkSafeBC underscore the critical importance of workplace safety across industries. Employers must ensure compliance with safety standards to protect workers and avoid penalties. As evidenced by the enforcement actions, repeated violations and high-risk behavior will not be tolerated.
With over $90,000 in penalties issued in just one month, it serves as a reminder that workplace safety is a shared responsibility. As WorkSafeBC continues its inspections, businesses are urged to prioritize health and safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations.
