Safety Magazine Worksafe Sprouse

This issue: NURSE KNOW-HOW | SCAFFOLD SAVVY | Poster: SPOT THE HAZARDS
WorkSafe
WorkSafeMagazine.com
January / February 2011
Tool s for bui ldi ng safer workplaces i n B.C.
It pays to pave
the way for aging
workers
Old school
January / February 2011 WorkSafe Magazine
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Departments
4 From the editor
5 In your own words
19 WorkSafeBC update
25 Penalties
9
On the Cover: Older workers are increasingly the
norm in most workplaces, so employers are wise to
find the best ways to accommodate them safely over
the long term. For more, see page 9.
Cover illustration by Graham Coulthard
Features
January / February 2011 Volume 11, Number 1
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9 ON THE COVER
Old school
Employers whove banked on making changes to support their
aging workforce are already ahead of the curve.
By Helena Bryan
12 WORK SCIENCE
Touch me not
A Fraser Health study looks at reducing exposure risks for
health care workers who handle dangerous drugs.
By Robin Brunet
14 NUTS AND BOLTS
Help warranted
WorkSafeBC nurse advisors work closely with employers and
health care providers to get workers back on the job safely
and successfully.
By Gail Johnson
16 TOOL BOX
High maintenance
Workers on scaffolding need to keep safety uppermost in their
minds while dealing with the risks of working at a height.
By Karen Kelm
Centre pullout:
Whats wrong with this photo?
12
WorkSafe Magazine January / February 2011
3
FROM THE EDITOR
Donna Freeman
Editor-in- Chief
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DONNA FREEMAN
MANAGING EDITOR DANA TYE RALLY
ASSOCIATE EDITOR LAINE DALBY

GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAHAM COULTHARD

PHOTOGRAPHY KHALID HAWE
PHOTO SAFETY ADVISOR ANDREW LIM
WORKSAFE MAGAZINE is published by the WorkSafeBC (Workers Compensation Board of B.C.)
Communications department to educate workers and employers about injury and disease prevention,
promote positive safety culture, and provide links to WorkSafeBC resources for safer workplaces.
INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS contained in this publication have been compiled from
sources believed to be reliable and representative of the best current opinion on the subject. No
warranty, guarantee, or representation is made by WorkSafeBC as to the absolute correctness or
sufficiency of any representation contained in this publication. WorkSafeBC strives for accuracy;
however, the information contained within WORKSAFE MAGAZINE does not take the place of
professional occupational health and safety advice.
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include January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, and
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Diana Stirling
OnTrack Media
W
30%
e can moan and groan to our
co-workers about getting
older, but theres no point hanging up
our shingles just yet. Contrary to the
Hollywood view, we get better with age,
particularly in workplaces that value
long-term employees.
Consider some of the qualities that come with age: wisdom,
loyalty, dependability, experience, communication skills, safety
consciousness, attentiveness, and a solid work ethic qualities
any employer would covet, and those that go hand-in-hand with
a sensible approach to injury prevention.
In fact, a growing number of workers with these skills reflect
the changing face of the workforce. Never before have older
employees outnumbered younger ones in so many industries. In
B.C. alone, the number of workers between ages 55 and 64
totals 350,000.
As this months cover story reveals (see page 9), workplace
safety needs to keep pace with shifting demographics. Older
workers might be especially reliable, yet theyre more prone to
falls and overexertion, with more time required to get back on
their feet.
The good news is that employers neednt do a lot to
accommodate this unique segment of the workforce. Simple,
inexpensive modifications to equipment and systems can go a
long way to helping workers safely meet the physical demands
of their jobs, whether they work in hospitality, health care, or
heavy industry. The results? Fewer injuries and claims, better
productivity, and motivated, confident workers.
In fact, safety training, hazard recognition, and individualized
workstations and duties can help reduce the risk of injury to
people of all ages. The bottom line is that a well-designed
workplace benefits everyone, including younger workers, wholl
be moaning and groaning about old age before they know it.
4
IN YOUR OWN WORDS
J
ust because theyre out of sight, doesnt mean
chemical hazards should be out of mind as well. In our
November/December 2010 Whats wrong with this
photo contest, which featured a worker inside a paint spray
booth, readers from a wide range of occupations were quick to
identify the subtle dangers associated with chemical spraying.
WorkSafeBC occupational hygiene officer Bessam Alhashimi
spotted the following offences in this months photo:
This scenario requires the use of material safety data sheets
(MSDS).
Housekeeping is an issue, with pails of paint near the work
area, a spray hose on the floor, and a box near the paint
storage area, etc.
The worker is spraying outside the spray booth.
The baffles in the spray booth are not installed properly.
The worker is wearing a dust mask and should be wearing a
half-mask respirator with organic vapour cartridges, at a
minimum. The proper respirator is hanging outside the spray
booth.
The worker is not wearing eye protection, such as safety
goggles.
The worker should be wearing face protection, such as a face
shield.
The worker is not wearing coveralls to protect his clothing.
He is wearing street clothes while spraying. A hat worn
backwards is not enough to protect his head.
Theyre invisible but you
spotted them anyway
Ergonomics is an issue: the worker is leaning over his work
and using the wrong wrist position.
Wood strips on the floor of the spray booth present a tripping
hazard.
A number of fire hazards are present: the electrical cord
inside the spray booth looks like it has been patched up
and is not safe to use. A pail of flammable material without a
lid is near the work area. The sprayer cart contains a jug of
flammable solvent.
Now its your turn. See our centre-spread, pullout poster for a
closer look at commercial kitchen hazards.
The employees of
GE-Hitachi Toronto
win a car safety kit
for their letter!
Electrical employees excited about spotting hazards
Editor, WorkSafe Magazine (Re: November/December issue, Whats wrong with this photo?)
GE-Hitachi Toronto employees were motivated by their EHS (environmental health and safety)
department to participate in your contest. They were excited to contribute to an exercise aimed
at improving workplace conditions and reducing and eliminating hazards. This section is now
part of our monthly quizzes; our employees think this is a fun way to learn about hazards in the
5
6
workplace and how to keep themselves safe.
The following list reflects the most common answers from our
employees. If we win the contest, we will do a raffle for the prize.
We would like to keep encouraging participation in these types
of activities.
Safety first!
Our group includes, as follows: Cosimo Zaffinom, production
operator; Joe Budgell, decontamination operator; Vishnu
Dhanbir, production operator; Lester Allen, production operator;
Mira Novacic, quality assurance inspector; Alina Olejnik,
production operator; Ally Layacen, decontamination operator;
Zvonko Djuric, production operator; Owen Hamilton, production
operator; Mohammed Awais, production operator; Brian
Greenslade, millwright; Earl Sinclair, production operator/
group leader/JHSC member; Jose Ramondino, decontamination
operator; Khalid Rabbani, decontamination operator; Charles
Purrier, group leader; Rocco Giovanniello, decontamination
operator; Al Ramondino, production operator/JHSC member;
Denis Enright, millwright; Fahim Sachedina, production
operator.
Here are the hazards we identied:
The half-face respirator is not adequately stored; it should be
kept in a sealed bag
Inadequate respiratory protection: a half-face respirator is
required for a painting task, instead of a dust mask
The operator is using prescription glasses instead of safety
glasses with side shields
An inadequate workstation is creating an awkward position
to perform a painting job
Poor housekeeping practices: working around clutter
The chemical storage methods are incorrect
Trip and slip hazards
Dark areas indicate the need for proper lighting
Does this place have proper ventilation? No ventilation is
observed
No safety poster has been posted in the area regarding the
type of PPE (personal protective equipment) required, and
the working area offers limited access
Ergonomic hazards: the storage system is inappropriate and
the cabinets are too low and have an inappropriate design
Fire hazard: the wooden cabinets are used to store
flammable, five-gallon pails instead of metal shelves
No grounding is provided for flammable containers
Safety shoes are needed; its not clear the worker is wearing
these
The MSDS (material safety data sheets) station is
inappropriate
The gloves are on the bench instead of the operators hands;
safety gloves are not being used
Open, loose clothing while working: coveralls are required
for this type of work
No WHMIS (workplace hazardous materials information
system) is available in the workplace
No control of chemicals is being used at the workplace; no
MSDS binder/electronic system is in place, either
No labels have been affixed to the containers stored on the
shelves; there is no associated WHMIS
Judging by the way the operator is performing his painting
task, the worker has received no education or training about
WHMIS
Earplugs are not being used while painting, even though the
area would be very noisy while working with air compressors
No safety signs exist for required PPE. (Ear protection is
required, a half-face respirator is required, hard-toe
shoes/boots are required, etc.)
The area is inadequate for a painting job; an enclosed
area/paint booth is required
Electrical hazards: electrical cords are behind the operator;
this is an inadequate location for these cords
Does the workplace have a hazardous waste procedure?
Paint, paint removers, and other chemicals used at a
painting workshop require proper chemical disposal
procedures
No fire extinguisher is present in the area; an appropriate
extinguisher is required in case of fire
Does the workplace have a spill response procedure? Spill
response procedures are required to address potential
chemical spills or accidents in the workplace
Maria E. Urdaneta
EHS specialist
GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc.
Toronto, Ontario
6
Watch out for wildly unpredictable
air hoses
Editor, WorkSafe Magazine (Re: November/December issue,
Whats wrong with this photo?)
Worksite issues:
The back wall has an opening, which could cause paint
fumes to escape
The MSDS (material safety data sheets) station has no
information available, and if there were, this location is not
accessible or suitable
Open chemical containers have been placed on the bench
Poor storage practices are being employed for all
paints/chemicals; no explosion-proof containment is
provided
No fire extinguishers are present, and all chemicals are
flammable
The paint spray hoses are all over the place: tripping hazards
The air-line hose hanging over the plank could fall and cause
an air leak, or the hose could separate from the air nozzle,
causing high pressure air to disturb matter on the floor and
also causing the air-line to swing around wildly
Two extension cords are unsecured and present a tripping
hazard, plus evidence is visible regarding the need for
repairs
An unknown object is hanging with an unsecured extension
cord on the beam behind the worker
Large chemical/paint cans are all over the floor and in a
direct line to the pressure pot, so the worker would need to
walk around or over them, or move them to refill the pot.
Some are open and one is on its side
The lighting is very poor
Worker issues:
No hearing protection is provided, yet an air gun is in the
work space
It looks like the worker has runners on his feet, not
steel-toed safety boots
The workers shirt is untucked: a possible catch hazard;
plus, his skin is exposed to spray
The worker is not wearing gloves
He is not wearing a proper respirator; this is a particle mask
The worker is not wearing safety glasses
He is wearing improper head gear
The employee should be in a paint suit that covers him head
to toe, and wearing gloves and a face shield respirator
The respirator is hanging on a hook in an exposed
environment. This needs to be worn or in lock-up in a sealed,
airtight container, so it will not absorb chemicals into the
filter system
There is no explosion cabinet
There is a trip hazard behind the worker in the form of
cardboard, some wood planks, and perhaps, a metal object
The worker is outside the spray area and no ventilation is
apparent. The spray booth door is open partially; this may be
a ventilation system. If it is, the pleated door should be
closed
Chris Young
Facilities manager and co-chair of the district
occupational health and safety committee
School District #47
Powell River, B.C.
Fire, electrical, exposure, and tripping hazards abound
Editor, WorkSafe Magazine (Re: November/December issue, Whats wrong with this photo?)
The shop in general:
The sawhorse is old and contaminated, and banded together with a surface texture that looks like incompatible chemicals have
mixed (the wood surface is crusty and bubbly)
The drywall on the back wall is buckling, and the black mark indicates possible water damage and mould
Half-face respirators with cartridges are stored incorrectly, allowing for cartridge loading and contamination
The yellow, electrical extension cord has been repaired in at least two places, as is evident from the duct tape. The cord should be
taken out of service. It also appears that the cord is frequently used; a wired outlet is required, rather than an extension cord
The worksite might need explosion-proof light fixtures
7
Picture imperfect
Ever since we began running our Whats wrong with this photo contest,
weve been inundated with requests from readers wanting to use this
feature to educate their employees or co-workers. This month, weve
responded accordingly. Turn to our centre-spread to see a spot-the-hazard
feature thats grown in size and scope, ideal for placing on a worksite wall
or bulletin board. Its your chance to spread the word about what
constitutes dangerous work habits, and to remind everyone that
workplace safety is a shared responsibility.
The overhead ballasts lack a protective cover for fluorescent
tubes; this could present a potential hazard if ladders are
used in this area
There is no ventilation in the shop and no exhaust hood; as
well, the windows do not open
There is a tripping hazard behind the worker (wood, etc.)
The area shows a general lack of any safety signage or
information
The work space doesnt show the best housekeeping
Chemicals in the shop:
There is no sign of an appropriate storage cabinet for
flammables
There is no sign of WHMIS labeling on the plastic container
of gold liquid resting on the bench surface
The MSDS (material safety data sheets) station is empty.
Where is the binder or other safety resource?
Open pails of flammable chemicals have been placed on the
floor
A combustible box has been placed in front of flammable
chemicals
Paint brushes are sitting in an old pail with what looks like
paint thinner close by; its likely that the open pail contains
flammable liquid
Compressed air issues:
The paint-mixing vessel is on a rolling cart with a charged,
compressed line on the floor with the tip still attached
Another charged, compressed air-line is sitting on one of the
sawhorses; the nozzle on the end indicates the worker will
likely use this inappropriately to clean off his clothes after
the task is done
The worker:
Is not wearing safety glasses or goggles
Is using a sprayer with a pistol grip and significant supination
with ulnar deviation
Is using the wrong respirator (he should be using a half-mask
with cartridges)
Is incorrectly wearing a N95 respirator (straps)
Is performing work in an unventilated area
Is wearing loose clothing
Is not wearing gloves (but is painting them with overspray)
Looks clean-shaven
Thanks. This was fun!
Rebecca Chow, CRSP, CDMP
Manager, health and safety Human Resources
City of Victoria
Victoria, B.C.
Correction
Readers expressed a lot of interest in Basic training, a
story we published in the November/December issue on
injury prevention for employees with developmental
disabilities. However, the story incorrectly states that copies
of the new WorkSmart training video are available through
WorkSafeBC. In fact, those interested in ordering the DVD
should contact Kirsti Inglis, video creator and assistant
director of Employment Services at the Developmental
Disabilities Association. She can be reached at
604 273-9778 or KInglis@develop.bc.ca.
8
OId school
Employers whove banked on making changes to support
their aging workforce are already ahead of the curve.
By Helena Bryan
I mpr oved w or k pl ac e
w i sdom, sk i l l s, and
k now l edge
A mor e sophi st i c at ed
sense of saf et y honed
by ex per i enc e
I nc r eased abi l i t y t o t r ai n,
ment or, and super vi se
r i sk -t ak i ng younger
w or k er s
A mor e c aut i ous and
sensi bl e appr oac h t o i nj ur y
and r ei nj ur y pr event i on
Gr eat er l oyal t y and a
sound w or k et hi c
Eyesi ght and hear i ng
dec l i ni ng; c ol our
per c ept i on det er i or at i ng
Gr eat er r i sk f or sl i ps,
t r i ps, and f al l s; i nj ur i es
t ak i ng l onger t o heal
Reduc ed f l ex i bi l i t y,
r ange of mot i on, and
sense of bal anc e
Thi nni ng bones, shr i nk i ng
musc l es, and sl ow er
r ef l ex es
Reduc ed r espi r at or y and
c ar di ovasc ul ar f unc t i on
Portrait of an aging worker(care of WorkSafeBC senior ergonomist Peter Goyert)
9
9
o the uninitiated, the
185-square-metre haven for
working parents at the
University of B.C. (UBC) looks like any
other daycare: pint-sized plastic chairs
and tables, brightly coloured nap mats,
baskets of toys, walls covered with kids
art. Look a little closer, though, and
youll see some simple, but effective
innovations designed to accommodate a
changing workforce.
The daycares floor mats are 10
centimetres thick to ease the wear and
tear on aging knees. Custom-built stairs,
allowing older children to be guided,
rather than lifted, onto change tables,
protect older backs as do smaller and
lighter toy baskets. Low stools with
locking wheels provide staff quick access
to children, without constantly having to
get up and down from the floor, a
repetitive move thats hard on anyones
body. These relatively easy, inexpensive
adaptations are designed to help older
employees at the daycare safely meet the
physical demands of the job, while
providing optimum care to the children.
As wages and conditions have improved
in this profession, so has retention, says
Darcelle Cottons, who has been
managing child care at UBC for 19 years.
Which means were seeing more
employees in their 40s, 50s, and up. And
anyone who has changed diapers knows
that its not something our bodies are
designed to do for 20 years.
A new age of older
workers
Child care centres arent the only
worksites dealing with older workers,
says Terry Bogyo, WorkSafeBC director
of corporate planning. Decreasing birth
rates, longer life expectancies, and this
Theres this big shift now, where the average age
of an injured worker has climbed above 40. Thats
never happened before. The question for us is;
how do we keep older workers safe on the job?
Terry Bogyo, WorkSafeBC director of corporate planning
massive bulge of baby boomers who are
now reaching their 50s and 60s mean, in
nearly every industry and sector, older
workers are increasingly outnumbering
their younger counterparts.
And while older workers have much to
contribute experience and wisdom,
loyalty, a sound work ethic, and fewer
injuries than young workers they have
a whole different set of requirements
than their younger colleagues.
Theres this big shift now, where the
average age of an injured worker has
climbed above 40, Bogyo says. Thats
never happened before. The question for
us is; how do we keep older workers safe
on the job?
Are standard health
and safety programs
enough?
Its a question former ergonomist Karren
Kossey believes needs to be asked more
frequently. Kosseys current job as
WorkSafeBC occupational hygiene
officer in Nanaimo takes her to heavy
industry sites throughout central
Vancouver Island. Dont forget that most
jobs have been designed for 20- to
30-year-olds, she says. And the health
and safety programs developed to protect
that age group arent always enough to
keep older employees safe.
Consider what happens as we age;
WorkSafeBC senior ergonomist Peter
Goyert has. We dont see or hear as
well, he points out. Our colour
perception deteriorates. Our reflexes slow
down and we dont sleep as well. Were
less flexible and our range of motion
shrinks. Our bones thin, our balance
declines, and we lose muscle and
respiratory and cardiovascular function.
Age-related decline means a higher risk
for slips and falls and overexertion,
Goyert says, which can result in sprains,
strains, and tears, and those nasty
musculoskeletal injuries or MSIs. In fact,
from 2003 to 2007, falls accounted for
more than one-quarter of all claims filed
by B.C. workers aged 55 to 64, followed
by overexertion, which accounted for 23
percent of injuries for the same time
period. Almost half of these incidents
resulted in sprains, strains, and tears
injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments,
and joints.
And theres more. When older workers
hurt themselves, says Bogyo, their
injuries tend to be more serious, they
dont heal as quickly, and chronic
conditions such as arthritis and diabetes
can complicate recovery. When the
18-year-old working at a fast-food
restaurant, for example, slips on a greasy
French fry, hes likely to get right back up;
his 60-year-old colleague might well suffer
a broken hip. Likewise, a 20-year-old
forklift operator who breaks a leg can be
up and running in six-to-eight weeks,
whereas a 60-year-old could face
T
10
complicating factors, such as increased
blood pressure, leading to more time off
work.
On average, Goyert says, if youre
injured on the job and need time off, youll
miss your age in days. A 20-year-old will
miss 20 work days; a 60-year-old, 60 days,
and so on.
Combine age-related declines in function
with jobs that are physically demanding,
such as those in health care,
manufacturing, construction, and forestry,
and the challenges are difficult indeed. In
some of these sectors, for instance, Kossey
says the lack of young workers to cover
the more labour-intensive work means
older workers have to fill in the gaps. The
result: too many strained backs, legs, and
shoulders. The financial pressures mean
some of these guys are coming back to
work before theyre ready, so they risk
reinjury, she says. Jobs are not being
redesigned to accommodate peoples
limitations or changing abilities. Theyre
often still designed for young workers.
A little goes a long way
Yet, as UBCs daycare centres
demonstrate, preventive measures need
not involve expensive engineering
upgrades. Other low-cost possibilities,
Cottons says, include instruction on
proper lifting techniques, worker-friendly
scheduling, better acoustic materials to
deal with noise, and proper lighting, to
name a few (see The ABCs of
accommodating older workers on
page 18).
Even in high-risk sectors, a little can go a
long way, Kossey says. In lieu of
redesigning a job for older workers, those
who do repetitive tasks could be rotated
through other tasks to reduce the
repetition, enabling their bodies to take a
minor rest between rotations.
Such preventive techniques are now
standard for the 300 or so employees in
UBCs custodial services department,
largely in their 40s and 50s. During our
training sessions and regular staff
meetings, we routinely urge employees to
take responsibility for their health, such
as ensuring they rotate their tasks every
half-hour, says UBC superintendent of
custodial services Azmina Manji.
She says workers need the right tools and
equipment for the job, but dont
necessarily require major equipment
enhancements. Weve replaced dry,
string mops with more efficient, wet or
dry mopping systems, all with
lightweight aluminum handles. And
instead of old-fashioned wet mopping by
hand notoriously hard on backs, arms,
and shoulders weve gone to an
auto-scrubbing system. We also now use
more manoeuvrable, lightweight canister
vacuums, hip vacs, and backpack
vacuums. And everyone is trained to use
the cleaning systems properly. The
changes appear to have made a
difference. Time loss claims in this
department have dropped from 12 in
2007 to two in 2010.
Preventive education is key, says Jolene
Cooper, health, safety and environment
associate in UBCs ergonomics
department. She has spent considerable
time with child care and building
operations staff to promote proper lifting
techniques and the importance of
warming up and stretching regularly
throughout the day.
Cooper goes one step further. She
emphasizes the importance of a healthy
lifestyle: regular, nutritious meals, weight
control, stress management, adequate
sleep, and frequent, moderate exercise.
However, Kossey says the emphasis on
wellness can be a hard sell in certain
workplaces, particularly those without
the financial means to invest in new
programs given the current economic
climate. But she maintains that small
changes can make a huge difference in
day-to-day working lives. At the same
What the numbers say
350,000: The number of workers in B.C. between 55 and 64 years old
40%: Between 2001 and 2011, the projected increase in the B.C. population of
people in the 45-to- 64-year age range
36: The percent of forest industry workers older than 45
45: The average age of hospital caregivers
47: The average age of rail transportation workers
49: The average age of workers in the fishing industry
49: The average age of hospital lab workers
Sources: BCStats web site, B.C. Labour Market Scenario Model, July 2010;
WorkSafeBC director of corporate planning Terry Bogyo; WorkSafe Magazine;
and, the WorkSafeBC publication, Going the Distance, News for mature workers:
fewer injuries but longer recoveries.
Continued on page 18
11
WORK SCIENCE
By Robin Brunet
hen Laura Mercer found out she was pregnant in
early 2010, she promptly found ways to keep her
workday risks at bay. I minimized my exposure to
the cytotoxic drugs we use to treat cancer patients, says the
oncology nurse educator at Abbotsford Regional Hospital. I was
fine working in chemotherapy administration, but I decided to
handle the chemo drugs as little as possible.
Mercer was galvanized by the danger of cytotoxic drug exposure,
which has been associated with higher incidences of cancer,
miscarriages, and birth defects. And her managers supported
her decision, allowing her to take on other duties whenever she
was in a setting that required the administration of
chemotherapy.
Hospitals have so many safeguards that I probably wouldve
been okay, she says. Still, I didnt want to take any risks.
Mercers comments are interesting in light of the fact that when
she isnt working with oncology nurses and patients, shes chair
of the Fraser Health Authoritys hazardous drugs working
Touch me not
A Fraser Health study looks at reducing exposure risks for
health care workers who handle dangerous drugs.
group, which was formed in 2009 to standardize handling
practices of hazardous drugs across various health care
disciplines and to determine ways of reducing cytotoxic exposure
in the health care sector. Although only trained professionals
mix and administer cytotoxic drugs, exposure can occur
throughout a health care facility, she says. For example, the
bodily fluids of chemotherapy patients are considered cytotoxic
48 hours after drug administration, which means waste
management staff could be exposed.
Health care group expands exposure
prevention practices
Fraser Health defines cytotoxic drugs as medications that inhibit
function and potentially kill body cells. Going by name, perhaps
70 to 80 such hazardous drugs are widely used, says Marianne
Tofan, parenteral (intravenous) services coordinator for Fraser
Healths pharmacy department. Health care workers at risk of
exposure include receiving and transport staff, pharmacists and
pharmacy technicians, physicians, nurses, housekeepers, waste
W
12
As soon as she found out she was pregnant, oncology nurse
educator Laura Mercer found ways to protect herself from
dangerous drug exposures at work.
management workers, and laundry staff. Exposure occurs by
inhalation, absorption through the skin, and ingestion through
contact with contaminated food or drink.
Prescillia Chua, a member of the hazardous drugs working
group, is one of the principal investigators who obtained funding
in 2007 from the WorkSafeBC Research Secretariat program to
study how to protect workers from cytotoxic exposure. Health
care facilities already have the proper controls in place in terms
of engineering controls, safe work practices and procedures, and
personal protective equipment, Chua says. But we wanted to
focus on where and how the drugs were being used and examine
the effectiveness of the products that clean contaminated
surfaces.
The study found that none of the cleaning agents used in health
care facilities eliminated cytotoxic contamination on stainless
steel surfaces. When our findings were published, we
recommended more stringent compliance with personal
protective equipment protocols, and we also recommended
updated training policies for workers who handle cytotoxic drugs
or come into contact with contaminated surfaces, says Quinn
Danyluk, Fraser Healths program lead for safety and prevention.
Most interesting was our subsequent discovery that bleach was
by far the most effective cleaning agent, and its use quickly
became standardized throughout our jurisdiction.
Since then, Fraser Health has determined that Surface Safe is an
even better product. Its a bleach agent that is easy to handle
and, because it comes pre-packaged, has a long shelf life, says
Danyluk, adding that regular bleach starts to degrade after a
month, which is not good for inclusion in spill kits.
Health authority restricts cytotoxic
waste handling
For the record, the scientific community has yet to determine a
safe exposure standard for cytotoxic drugs. In Fraser Health,
exposure to cytotoxic drugs is kept as low as possible by using
safe work practices and controls. Therefore, employees who come
into contact with cytotoxic drugs or with bodily waste from
patients who have received cytotoxic drugs within a 48-hour
period should wear, as follows:
Two pairs of cytotoxic-approved gloves (MicroTouch, Nitrile)
Fluid-resistant gowns with long sleeves
Protective eyewear if there is a risk of eye contact
Fraser Healths policy dictates that during drug preparation,
cytotoxic exposure should be controlled through the use of a
biological safety cabinet. Disposable cytotoxic waste must be
discarded in a cytotoxic waste container, and all sharps used for
preparation and administration of cytotoxic medication must be
placed in a dedicated sharps container that is clearly labelled
with a cytotoxic hazard symbol.
Furthermore, patient waste should be discarded in a hopper or
toilet and its opening should be covered (double flushing is
recommended). Also, when rinsing contaminated waste
receptacles, the lowest possible water pressure should be used to
avoid generating aerosols. Fraser Health staff who regularly
prepare and handle cytotoxic drugs have the option to request
protective reassignment and a temporary modification of duties
if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending to conceive.
Despite Fraser Healths comprehensive approach to managing
cytotoxic drugs, Chua points out that the process of cytotoxic
contamination remains, to some extent, a mystery. As a result,
Fraser Health is taking part in a new study funded by
WorkSafeBCs Research Secretariat program and in concert
with Vancouver Coastal Health, Providence Health Care, the
Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in B.C.,
and the University of British Columbia. Were trying to
determine to what degree hazardous drugs are inadvertently
absorbed into the body, by closely tracking people who prepare,
administer, and dispose of the drugs, Chua says. The goal is to
strengthen existing control measures for all health care
workers.
Unfortunately, the quantity of cytotoxics that can be absorbed
before health problems develop is still unknown, which is why
professionals like Mercer take it upon themselves to determine
what rate of exposure is acceptable in the workplace. Erring on
the side of caution is a good rule of thumb, no matter what you
do in a health care setting, she says. Remember to consider
your right to say no to any duty or practice you might deem
hazardous, providing you follow the right-to-refuse process
outlined in the Regulation (3.12), available at WorkSafeBC.com.
For more information on the WorkSafeBC Research Secretariat
program, go to WorkSafeBC.com, and look under Research.

13
NUTS AND BOLTS
ith more than two decades of nursing experience to her
credit, Cheryl Walilko has seen it all: gashes, fractures,
amputations, and more. But as a WorkSafeBC nurse
advisor, she does much more than help people whove been hurt on
the job heal their wounds.
One of 80 nurse advisors across B.C., Walilko pours her energies
into getting people back to work safely and successfully. Its a job
that requires as much medical knowledge as interpersonal skills,
practicality as compassion.
Nurse advisors bridge the gap between the insurance, medical,
and business worlds, with the ultimate goal of promoting health,
Walilko says. The first thing we do is to develop a relationship
with the worker. Nurses have medical knowledge, but they also
have the ability to listen.
Help warranted
WorkSafeBC nurse advisors work closely with
employers and health care providers to get
workers back on the job safely and successfully.
By Gail Johnson
When someone gets hurt on the job it can have far-reaching
implications, affecting physical, mental, emotional, and financial
well-being. The process of getting back to work requires careful
planning so that the employees health is never compromised.
Workers are immediately relieved when they realize we can help,
Walilko says. They might be under a lot of stress; theres a lot of
fear that comes with injuries. If, for example, someone is diagnosed
with a back injury, they might think the worst. But we can work
with them to explain that there are things they can do. A lot of our
job is about education.
Jan Beesley, WorkSafeBC manager of nursing services, says that
early intervention is crucial. Research shows that if a worker is off
the job for more than six months, the chances of returning are low.
The workplace can be the best place for rehabilitation, Beesley
W
14
explains. Its not about getting the worker better to get them back
to work. Its about getting them back to work to get them better.
Nurse advisors step in during the recovery phase, up to 12 weeks
following the date of injury.
During that time, their responsibilities are multifold. They provide
clinical advice on typical injury duration, identify workers abilities
and establish graduated return-to-work (RTW) plans, assist with
recovery and treatment, and oversee follow-up medical
investigations. They also help with serious injury intervention,
hospital discharge planning, and home care.
Nurse advisors are on the move
An integral part of nurse advisors role involves visiting job sites.
We will go to a site and we meet the worker and employer and
review the work environment, Walilko says. A large part of what
we do involves recognizing work that might be beyond workers
current capabilities. And we often assist them with ergonomic
issues related to their recovery.
We review the job demands, break down the job into manageable
parts so its appropriate for the workers injury, or we have that
worker assigned to another area. We focus on the workers
abilities, because abilities are what allow you to move forward.
In fact, Beesley says workers are often able to stay at work
following an injury, once the employer has offered them modified
duties.
Nurse advisors also act as collaborators and communicators,
keeping in regular contact with workers, employers, doctors and
other health care professionals, and unions.
And, if they spot a safety hazard at a worksite, theyll contact a
WorkSafeBC prevention officer to ensure the problem is addressed.
We aim to educate the employer, so they dont feel its punitive to
ask WorkSafeBC for help in following the codes correctly.
Howard Eckersley, safety manager at Tree Island Industries, which
manufactures wire products, says that nurse advisors like Walilko
make the return-to-work process smoother and more efficient.
Shes taken the time to visit our facility and become
knowledgeable about our operations and the graduated RTW
program, Eckersley says. With her medical knowledge, she can
work closely with us to develop a customized program that fits the
unique needs of the injured worker. And, if we need to clarify a
workers medical capabilities, she can get through to a doctor
quickly or make a decision herself, if thats appropriate.
Shes part of our team, he says. Having her involved really helps
ease people back to work. When she says Ive taken a look at the
site, and here are tasks you can do, employees are more receptive.
Theyre willing to do modified duties because theyve been
reviewed and okayed by a health care professional.
Eckersley says that although no hard data exists on whether nurse
advisors have helped lower the companys claim costs or duration,
based on our experience, I strongly believe they do.
Jamie Andersen, health and safety supervisor at Regency Fireplace
Products, says that nurse advisors have helped him sort through
conflicting or confusing medical information.
A lot of times there are mixed signals between what the
physiotherapist says and the workers own doctor says, Andersen
explains. Even if someone looks to be 100 percent, they might
have underlying issues. When theres an injury to the muscles,
diagnosis can be very difficult.
Beesley explains that each case is unique and that nurse advisors
take into account a workers specific circumstances.
Workers are immediately relieved
when they realize we can help.
Cheryl Walilko, WorkSafeBC nurse advisor
WorkSafeBC nurse advisor Cheryl Walilko
discusses shop floor safety solutions with
Howard Eckersley, safety manager at Tree
Island Industries in Richmond, B.C.
Tips on working with a nurse
advisor
Nurse advisors step in anywhere between zero and 12
weeks following the date of injury.
Barriers to successful RTW include an outdated belief
that workers must be 100 percent better before their
return, that there are no or very limited options for
modified or alternative work, and that RTW planning
takes too much time and takes people away from real
work.
Nurse advisors assist employers by providing a
formalized return-to-work (RTW) plan that should
include a detailed schedule, a breakdown of duties to be
performed at various stages, duty expectations, and any
other special instructions.
15
TOOL BOX
f your job takes you to great heights,
chances are youll need a scaffold. And
if youre the one in charge and you
want to avoid putting your life in danger
youll need to know how to erect, build,
alter, and eventually dismantle a scaffold
according to the Occupational Health and
Safety Regulation and/or the
manufacturers instructions.
Scaffolds are defined by the Regulation as
any temporary elevated work platform
High maintenance
By Karen Kelm
Workers on scaffolding need to keep safety
uppermost in their minds while dealing with
the risks of working at a height.
and its supporting structure used for
supporting workers, materials, or
equipment, so they can be found on a
wide variety of construction sites. From
pulp mills to movie sets, the work will
likely require erecting and working on a
scaffold.
The problem, says WorkSafeBC senior
regional officer Michael Bertrand, is that
workers are too often assigned scaffold
work without the proper training and
know-how theyll need to keep them safe.
First, assess the situation
In order to use or build a scaffold safely,
workers need to be familiar with the
process, says WorkSafeBC occupational
safety officer John Tuohey. Thats where
adequate training, supervision, and
planning come in to play.
According to Tuohey, anyone working with
scaffolds should consider the following:
I
16
The more training someone gets, the more likely
they are to come home at the end of the day.
Ron Knellar, business manager,
Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers Union,
Local Unit 1998/1237
A manufactured scaffold must be
erected according to the
manufacturers specifications using
only the prescribed, compatible
components.
The scaffold must be inspected at the
time of erection and by all other
workers using the structure
regardless of who may have erected it.
Any damaged or non-compatible
components must be removed from
the structure and replaced with
correct components in good repair.
The choice of scaffold should take
into consideration all of the tasks
associated with it, to ensure adequate
access, height, and capability to
withstand the loads to be placed upon
it, and bearing ground conditions that
may require the use of sill plates.
If a scaffold is to be built on site, i.e., a
wood-framed scaffold, the intended
structural materials must meet the
requirements of the Occupational
Health and Safety Regulation. Again,
planning should include the
consideration of who will be using the
scaffold and what it will be used for;
with this information in mind, the
scaffold can be built safely.
Lumber should be inspected to ensure
it is free of any deformities or
imperfections that will adversely affect
the structure. Planks used on the
scaffold must be either engineered
scaffold planks or nominal 5 x 25 cm
(2 x 10 in.) material thats Grade 2 or
better doubled up. The width of the
platform surface must be no less than
50 cm (20 in.).
Single-pole scaffolds are typically the
system of choice in residential
construction and are used by all
trades throughout the construction
process. The cost of building these
types of scaffolds is minimal.
Therefore, the scaffold should be built
with lumber capable of bearing the
required load, as opposed to
miscellaneous lumber off-cuts, such as
fascia board.
According to Bertrand, if youre working
with scaffolding, you should be able to
inspect it for safety and accessibility before
beginning work on the structure, and
report and tag any signs of damage,
rotting, or split planks, thread damage or
warping of the adjustable bases, and
cracks, kinks, or dents in the frame. Youll
need to conduct daily inspections for
continuous use or after modifications to
the structure, and check the structure for
stability and grounding (if its close to a
power source).
And while youre working on the scaffold,
Bertrand says, its vital to wear fall
protection if youre 60 metres in the air;
but its also important at one metre. The
only exception to this requirement, he
says, would be the use of scaffolds with
guards that have been installed according
to the manufacturers specifications or
WorkSafeBC regulations.
Dont become a statistic
By far, the most WorkSafeBC claims for
falls from scaffolding, stages, and
platforms originate in the general
construction sector. Between 2005 and
2009, WorkSafeBC processed 1,608 such
claims; 1,053 of the accidents occurred on
Don Melanson, training
instructor for Chinook
Scaffold Systems,
reviews safety
procedures during a
scaffold training session
with JimSalidas,
organizer for the
Construction,
Maintenance and Allied
Workers bargaining
council.
Continued on page 24
17
time, employers should take into account
workers own ideas about job
modifications. After all, theyre the
experts in their own jobs, and often, if
asked, have many creative, cost-effective
ideas that could make the job easier for
them.
Clearly, older workers are here to stay; so
health and safety programs need to be
updated accordingly. As Manji says, the
gains healthier, happier, more
productive employees are well worth
any cost.
The ABCs of accommodating
older workers
Use high-contrast paint on signage and large print on labels and posters.
Check that lighting is appropriate.
Reduce the weight of objects that have to be lifted.
Ensure staircases have handrails.
Consider implementing a wellness program.
Minimize shift work to address sleep difficulties.
Consider flexible work schedules to take advantage of optimum function.
Be open to part-time work or job-share assignments.
Adapted from the WorkSafeBC publication, Going the Distance, News for
mature workers: fewer injuries but longer recoveries.
www.bccsa.ca
Raising awareness, reducing injuriess WEBSITE
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
HAVE YOU
HEARD?
The BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) is raising awareness and reducing
injuries in partnership with WorkSafeBC.
The BCCSA delivers all the programs and services formerly offered by CSN and
CSABC to the construction industry of BC.
Continued from page 11
Old school
18
WorkSafeBC UPDATE
ts out there. It may be right in front of you, in the air you
breathe, or hiding in the shadows. It takes many forms. You
may not see it right away, but it can find you.
Should you be scared? A healthy fear is probably a good thing.
Should you be prepared? Absolutely.
The it could be asbestos, silica dust, noise, heat or cold,
chemicals, viruses, bacteria, or any of a range of threats that put
you at risk of injury, illness, and, in the worst case scenario
death. Being aware of the risks, asking the right questions,
having the proper training and orientation, and refusing work
when its dangerous are a workers best defences against danger.
Because of the risks of these kinds of workplace exposure and
the need to raise awareness of these risks among young workers
in particular WorkSafeBC is making occupational exposures
the focus of its 2011 student safety video contest.
The theme of the contest is Overexposed: What you may not see
can kill you! It challenges B.C. students in grades eight through
12 to create an original video production that draws attention to
the potential exposure risks facing youth in the workplace.
Exposure hazards threaten all workers, but the evidence shows
that young workers may be more at risk owing to inexperience.
ou
S
tu
d
e
n
t s
a
fe
ty

v
id
e
o
c
o
n
t
e
s
t WIN CASH
DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2011
CALL: 604 276-3174
or
VISIT: www.tinyurl.com/safetyvideocontest
STARRINGasbestos, silica dust, noise,
heat, bacteria, viruses, plants, chemicals,
insects, biological agents, pesticides, dust,
lead, mould, isocyanates, cold, fumes/
aerosols, radiation, and many more
unseen killers!
WHAT YOU
MAY NOT
SEE CAN
KILL YOU!
Dare to expose
these dangers
on film
I
As well, youth are less likely to make the link between the
hazard and its long-term consequence, particularly when the
impact of an exposure isnt immediate. This is the case with
asbestos, where exposure can result in life-threatening diseases
like asbestosis or mesothelioma that dont manifest themselves
until years or even decades after the exposure. Similarly, silica
dust doesnt produce an immediate reaction, but prolonged
exposure may result in silicosis, a thickening or scarring of the
lungs, or lung cancer. Both diseases can be fatal.
The format of the contest submission can be a video commercial
or public service announcement and can feature live action,
animation, or a video mash-up up to two minutes in length.
The deadline for entries is April 15. Cash prizes are available for
the winning students and their sponsoring schools, and all
winning entries will be publicly recognized.
If you know someone in grades 8 to 12, or have a son or
daughter in high school, encourage them to participate. To learn
more about exposure risks and get some ideas for a video project
on exposures, visit www.tinyurl.com/safetyvideocontest, where
you will also find complete contest details. For more on young
worker safety, go to http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/
YoungWorker/Home.asp.
By Robin Schooley
19
The
of Occupational Health & Safety in the
BC food processing industry
FOOD INDUSTRY OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY ASSOCIATION OF BC
106-8615YoungRoad Chilliwack,BC.V2P 4P3
t:1.604.701.0261 f:1.604.701.0262
e:safety@fiosa.ca www.fiosa.ca
e
The BC Food Processors Healt h & Saf et y Council
has changed it s name t o Food Indust ry
Occupat ional Saf et y Associat ion of BC
(FIOSA). We are looking f orward t o cont inuing
t o serve all of our valued client s by providing
high qualit y prof essional Occupat ional Healt h &
Saf et y resources.
Safety Every Step of the Way
Training | Mentoring &Advice | Certificate of Recognition (COR) | Online Safety Resources
on Derish admits he makes a lousy Alex Trebek.
Fortunately, as host of a raucous game of Safety Jeopardy
in the company cafeteria during B.C. Youth Week, the
health, safety, and wellness specialist for Loblaw Companies Ltd.
managed to generate a few laughs while improving employees
knowledge about workplace wellness and injury prevention at the
same time.
It was all part of a creative health and safety campaign geared to
young workers that earned the Loblaw Vancouver distribution
centre an award for best new entry and top spot in the retail
category at the 2010 NAOSH (North American Occupational
Safety and Health) Week awards.
In May of last year, NAOSH Week and Youth Week overlapped,
prompting WorkSafeBC young and new worker program manager
R
Young workers generate grassroots
safety campaign By Kathy Eccles
Trudi Rondou and her group to suggest Loblaw engage its young
workers in a safety campaign on behalf of both events. As
Rondou sees it, A campaign by youth for youth is the ideal tie-in
to NAOSH Week.
From 2005 to 2009, WorkSafeBC accepted more than 9,000
time-loss claims from young workers in the retail sector,
including grocery stores. Loblaw operates 38 stores under its
Real Canadian Superstore banner; about 30 percent of its more
than 10,000 employees are young workers aged 15 to 24.
NAOSH Week isnt about your safety record; its a time to
engage your workers and improve your safety culture, Rondou
says. Loblaw was coming at the campaign by looking forward,
understanding where their culture is now, and working for the
future.
20
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This four daytraining course provides
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well as other critical elements for success
in workplace safety.
This courseis instructed bythe
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10% off for the
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The course will be a
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Tel (604) 856-4671
For more details or to Register
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Coursesstarting
March2011
Loblaw serves up burgers and safety
lessons
A barbecue at the Loblaw Vancouver distribution centre kicked
off the Youth Week campaign. Managers and staff rolled up their
sleeves and served burgers to their colleagues, while a safety
boot toss for prizes generated long line-ups. But it was the
speakers who hit the safety message home.
Nick Perry became a paraplegic at 19 after 42 loose sheets of
lumber weighing about 1,200 kg fell on him at a Victoria
lumberyard. He warned Loblaws young workers that his story
could all too easily become their own. He was joined at the
podium by Loblaws Jattinder Dhillon, vice-president of health,
safety and wellness, and by Diana Miles, WorkSafeBC senior
vice-president of operations.
It was huge having WorkSafeBC there, Derish says. We had
their executives come out, along with our own executives. It
stressed that health and safety was important to us not only
for that week, but for the whole year.
During the Youth Week campaign, supervisors handed out
lollipops containing safety sweet or safety sucker messages
to workers seen working safely. WorkSafeBC participated in
young worker safety huddles. Retail stores and distribution
centres competed to achieve an accident-free week and win
$1,000 for their social committees.
Employees were encouraged to review
photos of each other engaged in safe and
unsafe work practices in a spot-the-hazard
contest.
Since the spring campaign, Derish has
tracked an 11-percent reduction in the
companys lost-time accidents, and a
58-percent reduction compared to 2009.
While the rest of the company celebrates
Vancouvers win, he says other Loblaw
locations are planning to enter the competition next year as
well.
NAOSH awards focus on creativity
WorkSafeBC industry specialist Kathy Tull sits on the steering
committee that judges NAOSH Week award entries. We saw
some great, creative ideas this year, she says.
Island Tug and Barge (seagoing division) received a most
innovative award for its novel approach to training. Seagoing
workers were taught how to abandon ship and survive at sea
using a training pool and equipment from the B.C. Institute of
Technologys marine campus. Emcon Services in Merritt won
the construction award with a campaign focusing on
high-visibility rain gear for employees who work outside in
rough weather, together with a poster contest that involved
workers children and grandchildren.
Other 2010 winners include Capital Regional District (best
overall and regional government); Loblaw Vancouver
Distribution Centre (best new entry and retail); Island Tug and
Barge, seagoing division (most innovative and marine); B.C.
Institute of Technology (best presentation of theme and
educational institutions); Emcon Services Inc. (construction);
Canadian Forces Base, 19 Wing Comox (federally regulated
agencies); Maersk Distribution Canada Inc. (general industry);
Inglewood Care Centre (health/social services); City of
Kamloops (local government); Vanderpols Eggs Ltd.
(manufacturing); B.C. Housing (provincial/crown corporation);
ER Plus Risk Management Group Inc. and Richmond Steel
Recycling Ltd. (small business); Silver Birch hotels and resorts
(tourism/hospitality); Versacold Logistics Services and EV
Logistics (transportation of goods); B.C. Rapid Transit
Company Ltd. South Coast and B.C. Transportation Authority
Police Service (transportation of people).
Employees fromthe LoblawVancouver distribution centre
take part in a pro-safety barbecue.
21
R
eg Tucker, plant manager of
Richmonds Viceroy Homes, speaks
softly but carries a big message.
Over the last five years, his message and
legendary persistence has whittled down
the companys injury record to zero. Most
recently, that workplace safety record
earned Viceroy the grand prize in the
annual Rock 101 contest, sponsored by
WorkSafeBC, radio station Rock 101, and
the B.C. Construction Safety Alliance.
Tucker says the companys success in
safety comes from a personal commitment
to preventing worker injury a
commitment he takes directly to workers
on the shop floor.
Years ago, when I was in my 20s, I was an
industrial first aid attendant. I know what
its like to call somebodys wife and tell her
that her husband is injured or in the
hospital, he says. When I talk to
workers, I describe the real life results of
not following safety procedures, and how
that affects their families hearing their
wife and child crying and seeing them at
the hospital with fear in their eyes.
When I tell a story like that, you can hear
a pin drop around me. You know youre
getting through when that happens.
When Tucker started at Viceroy in late
2005 as human resources and
occupational health and safety manager,
the custom-home design company had 166
lost-time accidents; five years later, that
rate had dropped to zero.
His first step was to conduct a detailed
analysis of the injuries that were
occurring, unearth trouble spots, and
come up with an action plan.
He required all staff, including managers
and supervisors, to wear appropriate
personal protective equipment at all times.
For most, that meant hearing protection,
safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and
CSA-approved safety shoes and gloves.
Those working in the paint shop were also
required to wear respirators and coveralls.
His safety seminars included such topics
as ergonomics, lockout procedures, and
machine guarding.
To discourage back injuries, Tucker told
employees to think of their backs as
valuable pieces of equipment akin to
hammers or power tools that needed to
be maintained over a lifetime. As well as
demonstrating the proper body mechanics
of lifting, he took on-site photos of
workers lifting incorrectly, and then
showed them what they were doing wrong.
They picked up on it right away, he says.
In addition to seminars, Tucker sent out
regular memos, based on WorkSafeBC
hazard reports, to the companys safety
committee, department managers, and
supervisors. Each department conducted
its own safety meetings to ask for worker
feedback on preventing such incidents at
Viceroy.
Tucker says the biggest challenge involved
changing long-held attitudes about safety.
Its a matter of persistence, he says.
Once people buy in, its like a ball rolling
down the hill: it gains momentum.
The summertime Rock 101 contest is part
of a six-week campaign designed to get
workers in the construction industry
thinking about safety. Early morning radio
spots on Rock 101 highlight specific safety
issues and listeners send in tips for
preventing accidents at work. Weekly
prizes are awarded to job-safe nominees;
the grand prize is a free pizza lunch with
Rock 101s Bro Jake and the Rock 101
girls.
For more information on the contest, see
WorkSafeBC.com.
Real-life injury
stories strike
a chord with
workers
Rock 101 contest winners Viceroy Homes celebrate with Bro Jake and
the Rock 101 girls.
22
For more information, including
examples of workers
compensation fraud, visit our
web site at
www.worksafebc.com/contact_us/
fraud/default.asp.
Whether its committed by an employer,
worker, health care provider, supplier, or
other party, fraud increases the cost of
insurance premiums, affects jobs and
salaries, and causes unnecessary delays
in treating real injuries. Simply put,
everyone suffers.
Fraud costs
everyone
Everyone has a stake in ghting
workers compensation fraud because
we all end up paying the costs.
WorkSafeBC doesnt take fraud lightly
and neither should you. If you suspect
an individual or company of committing fraud,
call WorkSafeBCs Field Investigations
Department toll-free at 1 877 523-3315 to
make a condential report, or e-mail
fraudinfo@worksafebc.com.
he Squamish Nations use of a
culturally sensitive approach to
workplace anti-violence and injury
prevention earned them national
recognition at a recent annual Canadian
Society of Safety Engineering awards
luncheon.
WorkSafeBC industry specialist Kathy Tull
also the winner of the CSSEs Robert
Wright Lifetime Achievement award says
the Squamish Nation showed a clear
commitment to protecting workers from
injury in the workplace: during a
nine-month period, more than 100
Squamish Nation employees participated
in safety certification training in such
courses as first aid, confined space entry,
fall protection, and forklift and boat
operator training. They also acquired
defibrillator units and ensured designated
first aid attendants received specialized
emergency response training.
Other CSSE award winners included
certified health and safety consultant Ron
Cawthra (Victoria), USNR electrical plant
manager Adrienne Bootsma (Salmon
Arm), Capital Regional District (Victoria),
CSSE students Mark Coderre and Meghan
MacLean (Burnaby), WorkSafeBC
manager of education and development
services Gordon Harkness, WorkSafeBC
occupational safety officer Dave Scott, and
Watari Research coordinator Suzanne
Jean for the downtown eastside SRO
Project (Vancouver), Vanderpol Food
Group (Abbotsford), and Ventana
Construction Corporation (Burnaby).
Wallace & Carey Inc. (New Westminster)
received an honourable mention.
The BC/Yukon region of the Canadian
Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE)s
luncheon took place October 21 of last
year. The event recognizes the pursuit of
excellence by employers, industry
associations, and individuals in the field of
health and safety.
The CSSE is a national, non-profit
organization comprised of people
dedicated to the art and science of loss
prevention a mission that includes the
conservation of people, equipment,
materials, and the environment. Through
the national association and local
chapters, CSSE offers professional
development opportunities for safety
practitioners, with the opportunity to earn
the Certified Health and Safety
Consultant, or CHSC designation.
The CSSE also hosts an annual
professional development conference,
which brings hundreds of safety
professionals from across Canada together
to learn about developments in the
profession. This years conference comes
to Whistler, September 1821.
Currently, there are five CSSE chapters
throughout British Columbia; for more
information, visit www.csse.org. The
Lower Mainland chapter of the CSSE
holds regular monthly meetings in
Burnaby. More information can be found
at www.csse-lmc.org.
T
Squamish Nation earns safety spotlight
23
construction sites (the next highest sector had 71). Construction
falls incurred claim costs of more than $25 million 65 percent
of the total claim costs during this period. Construction workers
lost more than 100,000 workdays (nearly 70 percent of the total
days lost in all sectors owing to falls from scaffolding).
Mike Moore, owner of the Prince George-based Chinook Scaffold
Systems, says he rarely sees falls from scaffolding on the larger
industrial sites his company oversees. But since he began in the
scaffolding business 25 years ago, hes been more concerned
about the absence of training in the industry overall.
In Europe, he points out, not only does scaffolding have an
apprenticeship; theyre the highest paid of all the trades.
Learn the ropes...and tubes and
clamps
In B.C., however, Moore says its usually up to individual
scaffolding companies to provide their own training in the safe
use of scaffolding. When we put out a call for workers, we may
or may not get people trained in using a scaffold, he says.
To address this problem, Moore recently asked two of his staff
(one of them certified in scaffold training) to create a six-week
scaffolding training course. Now when he hires carpenters for
temporary construction work, he says he can rest assured they
will first be trained to work safely around scaffolds.
The Chinook course, developed in 2009, is now widely available
in B.C., and the Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers
Union sponsors its members to take the training. Proper
training in the construction and use of structure scaffolding is
long overdue, says Local Unit 1998/1237 business manager
Ron Knellar.
Employers Advisers
Helping Employers Manage Workers Compensation
The Employers Advisers Oce provides independent advice, assistance and representation on all
matters related to compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and WorkSafeBCs regulations
and policies. To further assist employers, we provide educational seminars.
Please visit our website for more information about upcoming seminar
dates: www.labour.gov.bc.ca/eao All services provided without cost to
employers. Contact us Toll Free: 1-800-925-2233
Moore hopes that Chinooks scaffolding training program will
become a province-wide requirement for accepting work as a
scaffolder. The more training someone gets, the more likely
they are to come home at the end of the day, Knellar says.
For more information about scaffold safety, including scaffold
safety posters and checklists, go to WorkSafeBC.com and click
on Safety at Work, then Construction, then Prevention
Resources, then Scaffolding. For information about Chinooks
scaffold training course, see www.chinookscaffold.ca.
Continued from page 17
High maintenance
24
Penalties
Administrative penalties are monetary
fines imposed on employers for health
and safety violations of the Workers
Compensation Act and/or the
Occupational Health and Safety
Regulation. The penalties listed in this
section show the date the penalty was
imposed and the location where the
violation occurred (not necessarily the
business location). The registered
business name is given, as well as any
doing business as (DBA) name.
The penalty amount is based on the
nature of the violation, the employers
compliance history, and the employers
assessable payroll. Once a penalty is
imposed, the employer has 90 days to
appeal to the Review Division of
WorkSafeBC. The Review Division may
maintain, reduce, or withdraw the
penalty; they may increase the penalty
as well. Employers may then file an
appeal within 30 days of the Review
Divisions decision to the Workers
Compensation Appeal Tribunal, an
independent appeal body.
The amounts shown here indicate the
penalties imposed prior to appeal, and
may not reflect the final penalty
amount.
For more information on when
penalties are considered and how the
penalty amount is calculated, visit our
web site at WorkSafeBC.com, then
search for Administrative penalties.
CONSTRUCTION
A1-BTI Roofing Ltd.
$3,675.53
Abbotsford, September 29, 2010
Three of this firms workers were working
on a sloped roof more than 9 m (30 ft.)
above grade without using any form of fall
protection. This was a repeated violation of
the fall protection requirements, including the
requirement for a fall protection plan.
Brar Brothers Roofing Ltd.
$2,500
Surrey, September 28, 2010
This firms owner and one of its workers were
installing roofing material on a sloped roof
more than 6.5 m (22 ft.) above grade without
using fall protection. This was a repeated
violation of the fall protection requirements.
J.G. Roofing Ltd.
$2,500
Three of this firms workers were working on
a roof more than 5.5 m (18 ft.) above grade
without using any form of fall protection. This
was a repeated violation of the fall protection
requirements, including the requirement for a
fall protection plan.
Shane McCann Contracting Ltd.
$5,913.05
Quesnel, September 28, 2010
about 5 m (16 ft.) above grade on a house
under construction. They were not using any
form of fall protection. This was a repeated
violation of the fall protection requirements,
as well as the requirement to provide
workers with the information, training, and
supervision necessary to ensure their safety.
Northwood Roofing Ltd.
$7,639.65
Four of this firms young workers were
working on a sloped roof at least 3 m (10 ft.)
the fall protection requirements.
Delphina Enterprises Ltd.
$4,200.48
Richmond, September 24, 2010
a sloped roof between 4 and 6 m(14 and 20 ft.)
above grade without using any formof fall
protection. An extension ladder at the firms
worksite did not meet the safety and stability
requirements. The firmalso failed to provide
workers with the information, training, and
These were all repeated violations.
Don S. Dewar / Pacific Framing
$2,500
Coquitlam, September 22, 2010
This firms principal was working about
5.5 m (18 ft.) above grade on a house under
construction without using any form of fall
Vancouver Organizing Committee for the
2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games /
VANOC
$75,000
West Vancouver, September 20, 2010
Workers at this firms worksite climbed onto
work platforms up to 14.5 m (48 ft.) above
grade using the vertical poles of a scaffold.
Suitable ladders were not provided. As the
prime contractor of a multiple-employer
workplace, the firm failed to coordinate the
health and safety activities of employers,
workers, and others at the workplace, and it
failed to establish and maintain a system at
the workplace that would ensure compliance
with the Workers Compensation Act and the
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
This was a repeated violation.
Joandon Construction Inc.
$4,756.75
Nanaimo, September 16, 2010
This firms workers were working on a roof
more than 3 m (10 ft.) above grade without
using any form of fall protection. In addition,
a ladder used at the worksite had been set up
inside a dumpster in violation of the safety
requirements. This firm failed to ensure the
health and safety of its workers. These were
repeated violations.
25
J & J Framing Ltd.
$2,500
a house under construction without using fall
protection. One of the workers was standing
on narrow lumber top plates 3 m (10 ft.) above
grade, while the other two workers were
standing on narrow lumber top plates about
6 m (19 ft.) above grade. This was a repeated
high-risk violation of the fall protection
requirements.
Ben Jonathan Hansford / BTR Roofing
$5,215.30
This firms owner and four of its workers were
working on a sloped roof about 7.5 m (25 ft.)
Guy Morrall / Guy Morrall Enterprises
$2,500
This firms principal failed to cooperate with
a WorkSafeBC officer who was attempting
to inspect the firms job site. This was a
violation of the requirement to cooperate with
WorkSafeBC officers carrying out their duties
under the Workers Compensation Act and the
All Kind Roofing Ltd.
$2,500
Three of this firms workers were installing
roofing shingles on a roof about 5.5 to 6 m
(18 to 20 ft.) above grade without using fall
protection. The firm failed to provide a fall
protection plan and supervision as required
by the Workers Compensation Act and the
These were repeated violations.
New Tech Framing Ltd.
$2,500
Delta, September 8, 2010
This firms president and one of its workers
were working on a sloped roof about 5.5 m
(18 ft.) above grade without using any form of
fall protection. This was a violation of the fall
protection requirements.
B.Q.R. Systems Ltd., / Best Quality Roofing
$22,622.40
Port Coquitlam, September 8, 2010
Three of this firms workers were removing
shingles from a roof about 5 m (16 ft.)
Nystar Developments Corporation
$2,500
Vancouver, September 8, 2010
Ten of this firms workers were removing
asbestos-containing materials from a
demolition site without following the proper
procedures and without using appropriate
personal protective equipment. The firm
failed to ensure that the asbestos-containing
materials identified in the worksites
hazardous materials survey were safely
contained and removed.
RG Roofing Ltd.
$2,500
Burnaby, September 7, 2010
This firms worker was working on a roof
about 4 m (14 ft.) above grade. He was not
using any form of fall protection. This was
a repeated violation of the fall protection
requirements.
Tejinder S. Kaler
$2,500
a sloped roof about 3.5 m (12 ft.) above grade
requirements.
Shaan Construction Ltd.
$4,823.10
Abbotsford, August 27, 2010
a roof about 6 m (20 ft.) above grade without
using any form of fall protection. Two days
later, two of the firms workers were again
found working at heights about 6 to 7.5 m
(20 to 25 ft.) above grade without using any
form of fall protection. These were both
high-risk violations of the fall protection
requirements.
Shaan Construction Ltd.
$3,231.75
Surrey, August 27, 2010
Two of this firms workers were working 6 m
(20 ft.) above grade without using any form of
fall protection. This was a repeated high-risk
MDM Roofing Ltd.
$5,000
Burnaby, August 25, 2010
One of this firms principals and three of
its workers were removing roofing material
from a sloped roof at least 4 m (14 ft.) above
grade. They were not using any form of fall
Arnold & Sons Roofing Ltd.
$13,145.66
Coquitlam, August 24, 2010
This firms worker was working on a sloped
roof about 3.5 to 4 m (12 to 14 ft.) above grade
requirements, as well as the requirement to
provide workers with the information,
instruction, training, and supervision
necessary to ensure their safety.
Penfolds Roofing Inc.
$145,046.98
West Vancouver, August 24, 2010
Two of this firms workers were working on
a roof between 4.5 and 6 m (15 and 19 ft.)
protection. This was a repeated violation
of the fall protection requirements, as well
as the requirement to provide workers with
the information, instruction, training, and
NJ Roofing Ltd.
$7,500
This firms supervisor and two of its workers
were working on a roof with a slope of
7:12. The supervisor was about 7 m (23 ft.)
above grade while the workers were about
5.5 m (18 ft.) above grade. The workers were
wearing fall protection harnesses, but the
harnesses were not connected to lifelines or
anchor points. This was a repeated violation of
Great West Coast Roofing Ltd.
$3,806.45
Richmond, August 23, 2010
Three of this firms workers, including a
supervisor, were installing shingles on a wet
and slippery roof about 6 m (20 ft.) above
grade. This was a repeated violation of the fall
Great West Coast Roofing Ltd.
$3,105.66
Four of this firms workers were working
about 5 m (16 ft.) above grade on the roof of
a house. They were not using any form of fall
Diamond Roofing Ltd.
$2,500
This firms owner and two of its workers were
working on a roof about 5 m (16 ft.) or more
above grade. They were not using any form of
26
fall protection. This was a repeated violation
of the fall protection requirements.
Zenith Roofing Ltd.
$15,000
North Vancouver, August 18, 2010
This firms worker was installing roofing
material on a sloped roof between about
3.5 and 4.8 m (11 and 16 ft.) above grade
requirements.
Great Van Roofing and Drainage Ltd.
$2,500
Burnaby, August 18, 2010
Four of this firms workers were installing
roofing material on a roof between about
3.5 and 4 m (11 and 13 ft.) above grade
requirements, as well as the requirement
to provide workers with the information,
Stewart Arnold Newstead
$7,500
Quesnel, August 13, 2010
This firms owner and two of its workers were
replacing shingles on a roof about 5 m (16 ft.)
above grade. They were not using adequate
fall protection. This was a repeated violation
Stewart Arnold Newstead
$7,500
Quesnel, August 13, 2010
This firms owner and two of its workers
refused to come down from the roof of a house
as directed by a WorkSafeBC officer. This
was a repeated violation of the requirement
to cooperate with WorkSafeBC officers who
were trying to inspect the workplace.
Billkang Investment Ltd.
$2,500
This firm failed to comply with a
WorkSafeBC order to stop work by allowing
workers to remove asbestos-containing
material from the workplace subject to the
stop work order.
0748983 BC Ltd.
$2,500
Westbank, August 11, 2010
A young worker for this firm fell about 7 m
(22.5 ft.) and suffered multiple fractures when
a guardrail on a third-storey balcony failed.
The firm failed to ensure that its workers were
protected with a fall protection system when
guardrails were removed to accommodate
work.
Broadway Roofing Company Ltd.
$33,560.38
Vancouver, J uly 27, 2010
At least two of this firms workers were
working without any form of fall protection
on the sloped roof of a house where they
risked falls of up to about 7 m (24 ft.). This
was a repeated high-risk violation of the
fall protection requirements, as well as
the requirement to provide workers with
the information, training, and supervision
Broadway Roofing Company Ltd.
$33,560.38
Richmond, J uly 27, 2010
Two of this firms workers were stripping
shingles from the sloped roof of a house about
5.5 to 6 m (18 to 20 ft.) above grade. They
were not using any form of fall protection.
This was a repeated high-risk violation of the
fall protection requirements.
Theodore Hermus
$7,937.58
North Vancouver, J uly 22, 2010
This firms worker was installing roofing
paper on a roof about 4 m (14 ft.) above grade
requirements.
688682 BC Ltd., 688689 BC Ltd.,
688685 BC Ltd., &1100719 Alberta Inc.
$54,160.34
Kelowna, J uly 21, 2010
As the prime contractor of a
multiple-employer workplace, this firm
failed to coordinate the health and safety
activities of employers, workers, and others
at the workplace, and it failed to establish
and maintain a system at the workplace that
would ensure compliance with the Workers
Compensation Act and the Occupational
Health and Safety Regulation. It failed to
provide the workplace supervisor with the
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27
information and training required to oversee
subcontractors. As a result of the firms failure
to locate underground utilities, an excavator
damaged an electrical cable.
Prime Framing and Forming Ltd.
$18,012.34
Kamloops, J uly 20, 2010
This firms owner and one of its workers
were standing near a roof edge more than 3 m
(10 ft.) above grade. They were not using any
form of fall protection. This was a violation of
Trevor Lee Gladish
$2,500
Naramata, J uly 15, 2010
Four of this firms workers were not using
any form of fall protection while working
on a roof between 3 and 7.5 m (10 and 25 ft.)
above grade. This was a repeated violation
Dosanjh Construction Ltd.
$7,660.65
Two of this firms workers were not using
any form of fall protection while framing a
porch roof about 5 m (16 ft.) above grade. This
requirements, as well as the requirement
to provide workers with the information,
Dial-A-Roof Ltd.
$4,469.30
Two of this firms workers were working
without fall protection between about
6 and 7.5 m (20 and 25 ft.) above grade on
the roof of an apartment building. This was
a repeated high-risk violation of the fall
protection regulations.
William G. Van Oort
$2,500
Agassiz, J uly 13, 2010
working without fall protection on the roof of
a townhouse about 6 m (20 ft.) above grade. In
addition, four of the firms workers were using
nail guns without wearing safety eyewear,
even though safety glasses were available on
site. These were repeated violations of the fall
protection and safety eyewear requirements.
Gold Star Roofing Ltd.
$2,500
waterproofing a sloped roof about 6 m (20 ft.)
violation of the fall protection regulations.
Daniel Joseph Dawson Cardinal
$2,500
Two of this firms workers were working near
the edge of a sloped roof about 11 m (36 ft.)
violation of the fall protection regulations.
Lee Andrew Huffman
$7,500
Abbotsford, J uly 12, 2010
This firms worker suffered serious injuries
when he fell about 5 m (17 ft.) from a pitched
roof to the ground. He was not using any
violation of the fall protection requirements,
as well as the requirement to provide workers
with the information, instruction, training,
and supervision necessary to ensure their
safety.
Only Best Framing Ltd.
$3,687.83
North Vancouver, J uly 9, 2010
This firms worker was working without fall
protection on a roof about 4 m (14 ft.) above
grade even though fall protection equipment
was available on site. This was a repeated
requirements.
Birdi Construction Ltd.
$3,073.68
Aldergrove, J uly 8, 2010
This firms supervisor was working without
any form of fall protection from a house under
construction about 5.5 m (18 ft.) above grade.
Later that same day, the firms supervisor was
again found working without any form of fall
protection on an improperly constructed wood
frame scaffold about 4 m (14 ft.) above grade.
These were repeated violations of the fall
Birdi Construction Ltd.
$2,758.65
This firms owner was sheathing a wet sloped
roof 5 m (17 ft.) above grade without using any
S.M. Roofing B.C. Ltd.
$5,729.48
West Vancouver, J uly 8, 2010
Two of this firms workers were stripping a
roof about 7.5 m (25 ft.) above grade without
using any form of fall protection, even though
fall protection equipment was available on
site. This was a repeated violation of the fall
Vincent Edmond Harriott
$20,579.77
Burnaby, J uly 8, 2010
Two of this firms workers were working
without fall protection about 5.5 m (18 ft.)
above grade on the third-level decks of a
multi-unit residence under construction.
One deck had incomplete guardrails, while
another had no guardrails. This was a repeated
requirements.
Icon Homes Ltd.
$10,045.45
Quesnel, J uly 8, 2010
This employers worker was in an excavation
about 3.5 m (11 ft.) deep. After the worker got
out, the side of the trench where the worker
had been standing caved in. The employer
failed to ensure that the excavation sides were
adequately sloped or supported as required.
28
Eugene Albert Beck
$15,011.86
Burnaby, J uly 7, 2010
Two of this firms workers were working near
the unguarded edge of a work platform about
5.5 m (18 ft.) above grade without using any
Mega Cranes Ltd.
$9,143.06
This firm supplied a tower crane that had
several deficiencies, including improperly
secured access ladders. This was a repeated
violation of the requirement to ensure
that the crane was set up according to the
manufacturers instructions.
Atwals Enterprises Ltd.
$10,533.25
Four of this firms workers were working
without any form of fall protection on a roof
between about 5.5 and 7.5 m (18 and 25 ft.)
above grade. The firms owner was on the
ground at the time and could see the workers.
There was also no written fall protection
plan for this workplace. These were repeated
violations of the fall protection requirements.
Shearwall Contracting Ltd.
$61,398.50
Revelstoke, December 23, 2009
This firms project superintendent obstructed
two WorkSafeBC officers who were trying
to inspect a worksite where they observed
high-risk violations, including the lack of fall
protection.
A Super Roofing Inc.
$5,773.70
Burnaby, December 15, 2009
Without a fall protection system in place, this
firms workers were on a roof about 8 to 10 m
(26 to 32 ft.) above grade. This was a repeated
violation of the fall protection requirements
and the requirement for a written fall
protection plan where a fall of 7.5 m (25 ft.) or
more could occur.
Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Fort George)
Ltd.
$64,904.11
Prince George, November 24, 2009
A worker suffered serious electrical burns
when this employer failed to maintain the
minimum clearance between workers and
high-voltage equipment and conductors.
This was a high-risk violation. In addition,
when the minimum clearance could not be
maintained because of work circumstances
or the inadvertent movement of people or
equipment, the employer failed to obtain from
the power systems owner an assurance in
writing on a form acceptable to WorkSafeBC.
Polstar Construction Ltd.
$25,805.84
Coquitlam, October 13, 2009
This firm failed to ensure that workers used a
fall protection system where a fall of 3 m
(10 ft.) or more could occur. This was a
repeated violation.
Toma Construction Inc.
$8,070.90
New Westminster, September 30, 2009
This firm failed to ensure that there were
guardrails at numerous locations throughout
its worksite. It also failed to ensure effective
housekeeping on site. These were repeated
violations.
Gurpreet S. Choongh & Kamaljit S.
Sandhu
$2,500
This firms co-owner violated the fall
protection requirements. This was a repeated
violation.
Jakes Construction Ltd.
$59,028.73
Chilliwack, September 17, 2009
This firm conducted blasting operations
around 60-kV and 230-kV overhead power
lines without first getting written assurance
from the power systems owner.
Jakes Construction Ltd.
$59,028.73
During the demolition of a commercial
building, this employer ruptured an
active natural gas line. It also disturbed
asbestos-containing materials without
ensuring that its workers were adequately
protected.
Timbro Contracting Ltd.
$25,457.94
Workers were working in a trench about
2 to 2.2 m (6.5 to 7.2 ft.) deep with no
protective structures or shoring. This firm
failed to ensure that a trench more than 1.2 m
(4 ft.) deep was adequately sloped, shored,
or supported according to a professional
engineers instructions.
Asman Roofing Ltd.
$2,500
Workers were working more than 3 m
(10 ft.) above grade on the unguarded roof
of a two-storey house under construction.
They were wearing personal fall protection
harnesses but were not connected to safety
lines. One of the harnesses was very loose
fitting and showed signs of extensive wear.
The roofs peak was 7.5 m (25 ft.) above
grade, but the employer did not have a
written fall protection plan for the worksite.
These were repeated violations.
Skytech Enterprises Inc.
$13,280.65
Colwood, August 12, 2009
This firm repeatedly failed to ensure that its
workers wore fall protection where a fall of
3 m (10 ft.) or more could occur.
Brytar Contracting Inc.
$13,442.02
Courtenay, April 9, 2009
This is a repeated penalty for this firms
failure to use scaffold components according
to the manufacturers specifications or
according to a professional engineers written
instructions that include the rated load,
erection procedures, and compliance with
the applicable standard. The firm also failed
to make the required data available at the
workplace.
Manjit Singh Manhas / Manhas Roofing
$2,500
Prince George, February 20, 2009
This firms principal and another worker,
both without fall protection equipment, were
working on the roof of a house more than 3 m
(10 ft.) above grade. Fall protection equipment
was on site but not being used. These were
repeated violations of the fall protection
requirements. The concrete slab and patio
furniture on the grade below increased the
risk of serious injury or death.
TRADE
655843 BC Ltd. / Skookum Inn
$2,500
Windermere, September 7, 2010
This firm repeatedly failed to implement a
system of pre-payment for fuel at its rural gas
station as required by the Occupational Health
and Safety Regulation.
29
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Coast Building Supplies Ltd.
$45,936.92
Port Coquitlam, J uly 21, 2010
Two of this firms workers were unloading
drywall on a balcony more than 3 m
(10 ft.) above grade. They were not using
any form of fall protection. This was a
repeated violation of the fall protection
requirements.
MANUFACTURING
Sealum Industries Ltd.
$38,718.64
Delta, J uly 30, 2010
This firms workers were exposed to
tobacco smoke in the workplace. The
firm also failed to provide workers with
the information, instruction, training,
and supervision necessary to ensure their
safety. This was a repeated violation of the
requirement to control exposure to tobacco
smoke.
Trevor Keith Quinnell
$3,929.23
without fall protection on a roof about
6.5 m (21 ft.) above grade. This was a
repeated high-risk violation of the fall
protection regulations.
Premier Envelope (BC) Ltd.
$9,021.56
Richmond, October 16, 2009
The tip of a workers finger was amputated
while she was working on a guillotine-style
paper cutter. This employer failed to provide
adequate information, instruction, training,
and supervision to workers who operated
paper-cutting presses. The employer also
failed to adequately safeguard a guillotine
paper slicer and die cutter.
SERVICE SECTOR
Port Kells Truck & Trailer Repairs Ltd.
$6,310.08
Port Kells, December 2, 2008
This firm did not carry out fit testing for
respirators to ensure that they form an
effective seal with the workers face. This
was a repeated violation of the requirement
to test respirators at least once a year.
30
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31
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32
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