E-Waste Recycler Fined by WorkSafeBC for Repeated Workplace Violations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  WorkSafeBC has fined a major recycler of e-waste and car batteries located near the Trail airport on Highway 22A, West Kootenay for repeated high-risk workplace violations. KC Recycling, Ltd., has been fined $22,866.82 by the provincial agency.

According to WorkSafeBC report, the facility handles huge volumes of electronic waste, car batteries and cathode ray tubes. The workers at the site are exposed to materials that contain hazardous substances including lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury. The inspection of the facility by WorkSafeBC officials revealed deficiencies related to the firm's exposure control plan, ventilation system, and other practices for handling hazardous materials, the report cited.

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The agency inspection concluded that the company failed to make sure that workplaces are kept free of accumulations of lead dust. Furthermore, it has repeatedly failed to implement an effective exposure control plan, engineering controls or administrative controls so as to minimize workers’ exposure to hazardous substances. Also, workers at the site were not provided adequate personal protective equipment.

Meantime, Pete Stamper, chief executive officer, KC Recycling declined to comment on queries related to remedial actions for workers exposed to heavy metals and other hazardous materials.