WorkSafeBC has fined a Quesnel wood products manufacturer for high accumulations of combustible wood dust.
C&C Wood Products Ltd. was levied a penalty of $68,121.24 after an inspection uncovered the material on surfaces and fixtures in the sawmill canter room, around the canter outfeed landing table, and in the chip screen and sawmill chipper rooms.
"These areas had not been identified by the firm as requiring cleanup, although they were not hidden and were frequented by workers and supervisors," WorkSafeBC said in an online posting on the matter.
Dust accumulations as deep as 10 centimetres (four inches) were found in direct contact with potential ignition sources, such as electrical equipment, junction boxes, and light fixtures.
An average of 20 workers per shift were consequently "exposed to a risk of serious injury or death should the dust have ignited and caused a fire or explosion."
C&C is appealing the decision, which was issued in October 2015.
