High-Risk Violations Lead to Significant Penalty for Van Isle Hazmat in Asbestos Case

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News Summary

Van Isle Hazmat faces over $61,400 in penalties from WorkSafeBC due to high-risk violations involving asbestos safety at a worksite in Oak Bay.

High-Risk Violations Lead to Significant Penalty for Van Isle Hazmat in Asbestos Case

In a startling display of negligence, WorkSafeBC has issued a hefty penalty of over $61,400 to Esquimalt-based Van Isle Hazmat for what has been described as a high-risk and repeated violation at a worksite in King George Terrace, Oak Bay. This enforcement action comes amidst a concerning trend regarding worker safety and asbestos exposure, which remains the leading cause of fatalities in British Columbia.

The Deadly Impact of Asbestos

Asbestos exposure is notorious for its association with numerous health complications, most alarmingly as the leading cause of worker fatalities in British Columbia. Recent statistics reveal that asbestos was a contributing factor in 61 work-related deaths in 2022 alone, accounting for approximately 33% of all work-related fatalities that year. This presents a sobering reminder of the risks workers face in environments where asbestos exposure is possible.

Inspection Findings at Van Isle Hazmat

The saga began when an initial inspection of Van Isle Hazmat took place on October 29, 2024, during the demolition of a two-storey house constructed in 1946. At the time, the company was in the process of removing asbestos-contaminated paint from the building’s exterior. Unfortunately, the WorkSafeBC prevention officer discovered alarming failures at the site.

Key failures included the company’s inability to prevent the spread of asbestos dust and debris to surrounding areas, which is particularly concerning given the properties of asbestos and its ability to pose long-term health risks. The officer found that the procedures for controlling and handling the contaminated paint were far from compliance with established WorkSafeBC regulations.

Improper Disposal and Safety Oversights

In addition to procedural violations, Van Isle Hazmat was cited for improper disposal of contaminated waste, including protective clothing. Such negligence not only threatens the safety of the workers on-site but also poses risks for the general public when hazardous materials are improperly managed or left unattended and exposed to the elements.

Furthermore, employees showed signs of inadequate training, with insufficient instruction and supervision regarding health and safety protocols while working with asbestos. The risks were compounded by the location of the residence, which sat at an elevation with consistent breezes, increasing the danger of spreading asbestos debris throughout the area.

Steps Towards Compliance and Further Action

Following the findings from the October inspection, Van Isle Hazmat received five orders to comply with regulations to ensure a safer work environment. By November 8, 2024, the company managed to adhere to those orders. However, WorkSafeBC determined that the severity of the violations warranted an administrative penalty, leading to the announcement of a fine of $61,471.52 on February 24, 2025.

A History of Violations

This incident isn’t isolated. Van Isle Hazmat has faced scrutiny before, receiving fines from WorkSafeBC on four separate occasions between July 2021 and December 2023, all pertaining to issues of asbestos abatement or mold remediation. This pattern of non-compliance raises serious questions about the company’s commitment to worker safety and adherence to health regulations.

The goal of such administrative penalties is not merely punitive but aims to motivate employers to improve compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, emphasizing the priority of maintaining a safe work environment for all employees. As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with asbestos and the imperative need for strict safety protocols in workplaces where such hazards exist.