Can WorkSafeBC address combustible dust?

October 21, 2014, Victoria, B.C. – On the heels of the
latest explosion in the B.C. wood products industry, it has been suggested that
perhaps WorkSafeBC needs to have more clout in order to get compliance from the
industry.

According to an opinion piece by Globe and Mail political
reporter Justine Hunter, failed inspections at wood products facilities across
B.C. have been met with little penalty based on the regulations currently in
place.

Gord Macatee had been brought in to WorkSafeBC to repair the
agency’s reputation after the explosions in Burns Lake and Prince George in
2012 were seen as preventable. Macatee presented a report that included 43
recommendations back in June, including the fact that the agency needs more
clout to get industry compliance.

In recent months, the Wood Pellet Association of Canada has
worked vigorously in conjunction with WorkSafeBC to try and mitigate
combustible dust concerns. However, the latest explosion at Pinnacle’s pellet
mill in Burns Lake has brought the issue back to the forefront.

Macatee’s recommendations could result in new legislation
this fall. However, the current workload in overseeing the combustible dust
issue has stretched WorkSafeBC’s resources, and continued increased attention
would only diminish time and resources available for other important projects.

To read Hunter’s full opinion piece, CLICK HERE