Explosions Trigger Safety Review Of B.C.’s Sawmills
WorkSafeBC has ordered sawmills across the province to immediately investigate sawdust levels and other possible workplace hazards in their facilities, saying the review is urgently needed given explosions at two northern mills in just under three months.
“We are issuing orders immediately to all sawmill employers in British Columbia and directing that they conduct a full hazard identification risk assessment and safety review, and we’re asking them to focus on combustible dust and dust accumulation and potential ignition sources,” WorkSafeBC vice-president Roberta Ellis said.
The order came after a massive explosion and fire at the Lakeland sawmill in Prince George.
In January, a similar explosion and fire at Babine Forest Products killed two men and injured 19 others.
From The Vancouver Sun: vancouversun.com.
Latest News
Burns Lake Sawmill To Be Rebuilt After Explosion, Fire
Hampton Affiliates has announced it will rebuild the Babine Forest Products Sawmill in Burns Lake, B.C. The decision was made unanimously at the company’s board meeting Monday night. The sawmill was destroyed by a devastating…
Wood Runs Out For Ardew Wood Products
A lack of timber is blamed for the slated Jan. 11 closure of Ardew Wood Products Ltd., marking the end of another long-established resources business in Merritt. Owner of the family-operated business Erik Norgaard said…
New Year Bodes Well For Mills
Story by Rich Donnell, Editor-in-Chief Wow, what a year! I think we can say it has ended on a higher note, mainly because of some improvement in homebuilding, which is projected to only get better…
WorkSafeBC Asks Crown To Probe Deadly Sawmill Explosions; Jail Time Possible
WorkSafeBC will refer its findings of workplace violations in two deadly sawmill explosions to Crown counsel for possible charges, opening up the possibility of fines or jail time. If the Crown decides to go forward…
Find Us On Social
Newsletter
The monthly Timber Processing Industry Newsletter reaches over 4,000 mill owners and supervisors.
Subscribe/Renew
Timber Processing is delivered 10 times per year to subscribers who represent sawmill ownership, management and supervisory personnel and corporate executives. Subscriptions are FREE to qualified individuals.
Advertise
Complete the online form so we can direct you to the appropriate Sales Representative.