WorkSafeBC recently penalized a Burnaby plastic bag manufacturer after it violated an order to stop using one of its machines with no proper protection for employees.
Perfect Plastics was fined $5,000 for failing to comply with the provincial workplace watchdog's stop-use order after an inspection found two printing presses "without adequate safeguards."
WorkSafeBC's report, recently published publicly on its website, explained a second inspection occurred at the south Burnaby facility (7337 N. Fraser Way) some time after the first.
The organization said Perfect Plastics used "at least one of the presses" while the stop-use order was in effect.
"The firm failed to ensure its equipment was fitted with adequate safeguards to protect workers from accessing hazardous points of operation," WorkSafeBC stated, classifying this as a repeated violation.
The fine was formally imposed for Perfect Plastics on May 25.
Renovation violation
Meanwhile, a company was also setback four figures while working at a Burnaby home up for renovation for failing to protect workers from hazardous materials.
Metro Vancouver Enterprises, which specializes in landscaping, lawn and garden maintenance, and building materials, was fined $2,500 after WorkSafeBC determined the firm didn't inspect for possible asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
In July, the company was brought in to help with renovations at a pre-1990 house in Burnaby.
An inspection of the site found no adequate protections for workers that were seen removing drywall and plaster with suspected ACMs.
A stop-work order was issued as a result of "high-risk violations," WorkSafeBC added.
"[Metro Vancouver Enterprises] failed to ensure that, before demolition work began, a qualified person inspected the building to identify hazardous materials," the watchdog's public report said.
"The firm also failed to select appropriate respirators and to ensure that workers required to wear respirators were clean-shaven. In addition, the firm failed to ensure energy sources were isolated and controlled if unexpected energization could cause injury."
WorkSafeBC explained Metro Vancouver Entreprises also failed to provide employees with proper safety training, supervision and information.
The penalty was formally imposed on July 14.
