The latest edition of WorkSafe magazine complies a number of incidents in Greater Victoria that the safety authority has deemed dangerous. One of the heftiest fines on the list went to the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Fines ranged from $1,000 for failing to submit a report on proper procedures for stripping asbestos-containing materials, to a $97,500 penalty to VIHA for “failure of the employer to ensure the health and safety of workers.”
Three violent incidents involving VIHA took place between 2009 and 2010 in Nanaimo and Victoria.
“The incidents did happen more than two years ago and in that time we have undertaken considerable work to address violence in our mental health portfolio,” said VIHA spokesperson Shannon Marshall. “We have improved from 2009 and enhanced the violence prevention policy.”
The fine has since been paid and Marshall said a number of changes have been made. VIHA now has a dedicated safety advisor appointed to work on violence-related issues, a violence prevention training and education program, a risk assessment process and safety boards.
WorkSafe Fines levied on Saanich-based businesses included $4,815.53 to Robert Sousa for failing to ensure workers wore safety eyewear and respiratory equipment; $2,500 to Clayton Hoff for failing to ensure the use of fall protection for workers on a sloped roof; and $2,500 to Sean Ray Staub/Shelby roofing for a failure to ensure the use of fall protection as required.
Fines are based on the nature of the violation, as well as the employer’s compliance history and payroll. Since 1999, WorkSafeBC has imposed 1,900 penalties totalling more than $26.7 million.
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