Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (June 2017)
The Vernon School District was fined $628, 034, following the renovation of property that turned out to have asbestos-containing materials in it.
According to a statement that the District issued on April 18, 2017, the renovation work was conducted in May 2016 on property leased by the school board as the future site of its ‘Open Door Learning Centre.’ WorkSafeBC later determined that the District had failed to take sufficient precautions to prevent worker injury or illness and had not exercised due diligence in preventing exposure to asbestos or maintaining safe work conditions.
“The District is very disappointing in WorkSafeBC’s decision,” the statement says, calling the penalty “excessive” and noting that the landlord had not informed the school board that asbestos-containing material was present. “The District has developed and implemented a comprehensive and fully compliant asbestos-management program… and has undertaken comprehensive asbestos training of its maintenance workers.”
The District adds that it has taken “all reasonable steps” to comply with all asbestos-hazard-mitigation requirements and will be working with its lawyers to review the fine.
My opinion
In the construction industry, there is always a chance that older buildings contain asbestos-laden materials.
In Ontario, we have necessary training to cover asbestos safety awareness and then 3rd party training for asbestos removal.
There are three types of removal, Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 and a type 3 removal has to have accreditation by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Asbestos Safety Awareness’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
We can also be reached at info@hrsgroup.com
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.