West Fraser Quesnel Plant Fined by WorkSafeBC for High-Risk Violations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): West Fraser was imposed a fine of $637,000 for workplace injury at its Quesnel fiberboard plant. The fine was imposed by WorkSafeBC after inspections at the site following the high-risk violations at the site in 2017 which led to injury of a subcontractor employee.

According to WorkSafeBC, the incident occurred while the subcontractor employee was vacuuming ash from hatch midway up a multi-cone hopper when compacted ash broke free. The ash rushed out of the hatch on to the worker, causing serious injuries.

The on-site investigation following the incident determined that West Fraser had failed to conduct an adequate assessment of the risks associated with accumulated hot ash. The company failed to instruct workers in safe work procedures and provide adequate personal protective equipment. In addition, the company failed to provide necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure workers’ health and safety, which are treated as high-risk violations.

West Fraser has requested for a review. It stated that the company has already made enhancements to its site. Further, it has also made necessary improvements to corporate safety training, audit process, documentation activities and internal communication.

In a separate decision in February this year, WorkSafeBC had fined the subcontractor Envirosystems Incorporated. A fine of $8K was imposed, stating that it had failed to provide adequate training in the specific work task and appropriate personal protective equipment.