Asbestos Violations Lead to Heavy Penalty for Van Isle Hazmat

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News Summary

Van Isle Hazmat faces a $61,471.52 penalty from WorkSafeBC due to serious asbestos violations during a demolition site inspection in Oak Bay.

Asbestos Violations Lead to Heavy Penalty for Van Isle Hazmat

In a significant enforcement action, WorkSafeBC has imposed a hefty penalty of $61,471.52 on Van Isle Hazmat, a contractor engaged in asbestos abatement. This fine stems from severe and repeated violations uncovered during an inspection at a residential demolition site in Oak Bay. The inspection took place on October 29, 2024, as workers from Van Isle Hazmat were in the process of stripping asbestos-contaminated paint from a house built back in 1946.

Asbestos: A Silent Killer

Asbestos exposure remains the leading cause of worker fatalities in British Columbia, contributing to 61 work-related deaths in 2022 alone. This alarming statistic accounted for a staggering 33% of all work-related deaths recorded that year. The growing concerns surrounding asbestos-related hazards emphasize the urgent need for compliance with safety regulations.

Inspection Findings Shock Safety Advocates

During the recent inspection, inspectors observed numerous safety breaches that could have resulted in catastrophic environmental contamination. Notably, asbestos dust and debris were discovered *without proper containment*, and safe handling procedures for asbestos were blatantly ignored. Additionally, employees were found to be inadequately trained and lacked proper supervision while working with hazardous materials.

One of the most alarming findings was the improper disposal of asbestos-contaminated waste. This waste was not only left unattended but was also exposed to the surrounding environment, heightening the risk of contamination through wind and waterways. In light of these violations, Van Isle Hazmat received a total of five orders to rectify the identified issues, all of which were complied with by November 8, 2024.

History of Violations and Increased Fines

Van Isle Hazmat is no stranger to these fines; the company has previously been penalized by WorkSafeBC on four occasions between July 2021 and December 2023, all pertaining to issues in asbestos abatement and mold remediation. These repeated violations prompted WorkSafeBC to take a firmer stance on enforcement, showcasing the critical need for safer practices in asbestos management.

Local Responses to Asbestos Threats

In an effort to tackle the growing crisis surrounding asbestos, the Capital Regional District (CRD) has recently increased tipping fees for general and controlled waste, including asbestos. These fees rose from $157 to $214 per tonne for controlled waste, while general trash tipping fees increased from $150 to $155 per tonne. The CRD has also heightened penalties for improper disposal of asbestos from $200 to $1,000, providing bylaw officers with better enforcement tools.

Community Concerns Spark Library Closure

An extensive asbestos scare struck the Oak Bay branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, leading to its closure after dust contaminated with asbestos was found in a workroom. Municipal staff immediately conducted further air testing to ensure the safety of library personnel and the community at large. Following these findings, only the library branch was affected while adjacent services continued to operate.

To mitigate the impact on residents, a temporary pop-up location offering ongoing community services was established. By March 7, local services were available at the Monterey Recreation Centre, including engaging activities like storytime for children.

A Call for Safety Compliance

Officials plan to keep the public informed about reopening dates for the main library branch as testing and necessary renovations are carried out. These incidents underline the critical importance of compliance with occupational health and safety legislation, particularly in relation to asbestos exposure, to protect workers and the community alike from its hidden dangers.