WorkSafeBC has hit Brink Forest Products Ltd. with a $37,639.56 fine for unsafe work practices.
The fine was levied on Oct. 4 in response to a July 3 inspection to see if the employer had completed a safeguarding audit and added new guards to the workplace.
The inspector found the employer had done so but also came across some problems.
"During the inspection, I observed two separate safeguards that were left open," the inspector said in a report. "One safeguard gate was propped open with a garbage can and the other was flipped open."
"The employer corrected the violation immediately and I discussed with the employer and worker that the root cause of the violation must be investigated to ensure sustainability of compliance."
The inspector also found a safeguard on a third machine was not adequately constructed to ensure workers could not reach a hazardous part.
This was a repeated violation, WorkSafeBC said in a summary on its website.
Brink did not return an invitation to comment.