WorksafeBC issued a penalty of just over $61,400 to Esquimalt-based Van Isle Hazmat for what they say was a "high-risk and repeated violation" at a worksite at King George Terrace in Oak Bay.
Asbestos exposure is the number one killer of workers in B.C., according to WorksafeBC, and it was a contributing factor in 61 work-related deaths in 2022, or about 33 per cent of all work-related deaths in that year.
According to the initial inspection report 鈥� which was conducted on Oct. 29, 2024 鈥� Van Isle Hazmat was the prime contractor during the demolition of a two-storey residence constructed in 1946. At the time of the inspection, they were in the process of removing asbestos-contaminated paint from the exterior of the home.
The WorkSafeBC prevention officer who conducted the inspection noted that the company had not prevented the spread of asbestos dust and debris to other work areas; their procedures for control and handling of the asbestos-contaminated paint were not in accordance with the board; contaminated waste, such as protected clothing, was not properly disposed; and employees were not given adequate information, instruction, and supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety while working with asbestos.
"The asbestos-contaminated waste was lying unattended and in the open air. I observed this residence is situated at elevation above the water where a consistent breeze was evident throughout the inspection. The piles of observed asbestos-contaminated debris were not prevented from spreading outside the designated work area," noted the officer in just one example of unsecured asbestos throughout the work site.
As a result of the October inspection, Van Isle Hazmat was given five orders to meet the threshold to maintain a safe environment, and according to a report from Nov. 8, 2024, they complied with all five orders.
"Based upon the violation(s) cited in this inspection report (and any previous relevant violations) WorkSafeBC has determined that there are grounds for imposing an administrative penalty and/or OHS Citation," noted the November report.
On Feb. 24, WorkSafeBC announced they issued a $61,471.52 penalty for the violations.
"The primary purpose of an administrative penalty is to motivate the employer receiving the penalty 鈥� and other employers 鈥� to comply with occupational health and safety legislation and regulation, and to keep their workplaces safe," noted a news release from WorkSafeBC.
Van Isle Hazmat has been fined by WorkSafeBC another four times between July 2021 and December 2023 鈥� all related to asbestos abatement or mould remediation.
