Mill Explosions Mark Dark Year on BC Labour Front
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 4:03 AM
Prince George, B.C. – Minister of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government Margaret MacDiarmid issued the following statement today in recognition of Labour Day:
"It is with great sadness that I reflect upon the last year and note that not every worker went home safely at the end of their working day. The deaths and injuries experienced, including those in the mill explosions in Burns Lake and Prince George, were terrible tragedies and the impact on the families, friends and communities of the victims and the injured continues. No legislation, findings or penalties can ever compensate survivors or bring their loved ones back; however, we must look at and learn from every tragedy and take action where more work needs to be done.
"In respect of sawmill safety, our government acted quickly to bring together industry representatives to create a task force that encouraged regular public disclosure of updates on inspections and timely alerts to industry on possible hazards discovered through the course of WorkSafeBC’s investigations. I am looking forward to seeing the final investigation reports so we can see what further actions must be taken.
"Over the last year we have also made a number of legislative and regulatory changes that improve the working environment in BC. These include changes to the Workers Compensation Act and passage of the Emergency Intervention Disclosure Act.
"In May, British Columbia’s general minimum wage was raised to $10.25 and is now among the highest minimum wages in Canada. As well, we made another change that will see the second Monday in February become the newest statutory holiday in B.C.”
"On this day, we honour and salute all working British Columbians for their efforts and thank them for making this a better province."
Comments
Over the last year we have also made a number of legislative and regulatory changes that improve the working environment in BC. These include changes to the Workers Compensation Act and passage of the Emergency Intervention Disclosure Act.
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Great move but one wonders why this legislation always comes after the fact. Worksafe had known for some,time that there was a problem with cleanup at these mills. Why did they not enforce their orders?
Cheers
The problem is sawmills create dust. Dust can explode given the right conditions. So now we have an explosive potential in facilities that don’t use explosion proof equipment. So what are they going to do, make it mandatory that mills upgrade to explosion proof equipment? Nope, too expensive. Are they going to stop the sawmills every 4 hours to clean up? Nope, not productive. Are they going to ask everyone to leave the building everytime someone needs to weld or spark up a torch? Nope. Are they going to install expensive ventilation systems that they will shut off in the winter? Nope! So what is going to change? Not much!
Even on Labour Day this Government is trying to take credit and play Politics!
Labour Day, brought to you buy working class people and the Unions that represent them.
The Minister said, “In respect of sawmill safety, our government acted quickly – – .
Quickly must mean the 2nd Mill explosion, the goverment was still busy making promises and doing photo ops in Burns Lake to have time to bring together industry representatives to create a task force.
Minimum Wage; this is the same Goverment that lowered our provincial standard to the lowest in the country with their Training wage! Remember, “6 bucks sucks”. Yes any credit for the increase to our minimum wage should go to the BC Federation of Labour for there campaigns to have it increased, but yet this Goverment would try to take credit for that as well!!
The Minister did not even recognize the BC Federation of Labour or any of the Labour Unions of this Province on Labour Day. Shame!
Who is going to take responsibility for the lack of inspections at the mill in Burns Lake? Where is Worksafe BC in all of this?
First and foremost, they are supposed to be the watchdogs for looking out for safety in the workplace for every employee who pays into their coffers.
Who has the b—s to own up to this? Makes me sick to see all the finger pointing. Damn it.
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