When I read the article regarding the inquest into Lakeland, I was really surprised to read about some of the issues and the jury's recommendations.
First, fine combustible dust is not new, nor is it an unknown hazard. Dust fires/explosions are well-known in the grain industry.
The Wheat Pool elevators in Vancouver's Burrard Inlet have had numerous problems. And my place of work has an entire crew of workers whose sole job is dust control.
So, if dust fires/explosions are new to the current WorkSafeBC inspectors, then they need some serious re-education.
Second, the jury is recommending that the union mail out letters to their members so that "family members are aware of safety issues in the workplace."
What is this for? A premonition of the next letter that says you've just lost a member to an industrial tragedy?
Ridiculous.
Whose responsibility is it to provide a safe workplace anyway? Yes, the employer and, by extension, WorkSafeBC.
So, neither the employer nor WorkSafeBC ensured that the workers were employed in a safe environment. The employer has been fined, well, I'd say individuals at WorkSafeBC should be fined and that some very senior heads should be rolling down the aisles.
Enough incompetence.
Bruce Morrison
Victoria
