Minister of Jobs Calls for Lakeland Coroner’s Inquest
Prince George, B.C. – Saying she is deeply sorry for what families and communities have gone through, Shirley Bond, the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills development, has requested there be a Coroner's inquest into the Lakeland blast which killed two workers and injured 22 others.
Earlier today, the Crown advised families and Lakeland workers, there would be no charges laid in the wake of the deadly explosion of April 23rd, 2012.
She has also announced she has appointed Gordon Macatee as Administrator at WorkSafe B.C. Macatee is an experienced executive with service at the most senior levels of government. " He is there to make changes" says Bond.
She says Government is continuing to take comprehensive action to protect worker safety:
* making sure WorkSafeBC's investigations are handled correctly for future prosecutions.
* ensuring that what happened at these two sawmills doesn't happen again and risk the lives of workers.
* driving change in the culture and process at WorkSafeBC.
She has provided a letter of direction for Macatee's work:
1. Ensuring future investigations are handled correctly by implementing recommendations from the Dyble Report.
2. Ensuring our sawmills are safe workplaces by implementing the 90-day action plan on sawmill safety.
3. Review workers' compensation boards in other jurisdictions, to understand the merits of and determine best practices in organizational structures specifically relating to the separation of enforcement vs. regulation.
4. Develop a plan for implementing a world-class inspection and investigation regime, incorporating best practices, workforce review and enhanced training.
5. Provide a single status report by July 1, consolidating the plans and reports noted in items 1 to 4 above.
6. Conduct the search for and finalize the appointment of a new and permanent CEO.
She says she will review progress on all of this on a regular basis and meet with WorkSafeBC at the beginning of July, to assess progress and whether further steps are required.
"Families and friends of the victims of the Lakeland and Babine explosions are continuing to grieve" said Minister Bond, "Together, we are addressing the pressing need to both restore confidence in WorkSafeBC investigations and to make sure workers and families never again face circumstances like those at Babine and Lakeland."
Comments
Here we go again-Lots of talk but most likely no action and by the way did I hear the word -World Class-again.
Make changes to the WCB Act so they can be taken to court, even by an individual. Make them NOT above the law. Myself and many others aren’t going away until you settle with us or we die. I believe you are praying for the latter. To settle all the old deserving claims I’m thinking, would surely bankrupt WCB. Oh, no it won’t, it’s the government. Whole process is a joke!
Having said that, I am very sorry for the loss of life and injuries in these two tragic events!
Taxi
WCB can be taken to court after their appeal process is exhausted.
It is called a “Judicial Review”
From the WCAT site: “A party may apply for judicial review of a WCAT decision by the British Columbia Supreme Court within 60 days of the date of the decision. Under certain circumstances, the court may extend the time for applying.
The notion that they cannot be taken to court is a myth. Problem is, lawyers will not take it on unless you pay them for the time or they do it on a 1/3 contingency basis in which case they will only take it if they think it is winnable.
Have a look at some of the decisions here.
http://www.wcat.bc.ca/appeals/after/judicial_review_decisions.aspx
Also look at: http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/newsletters/assets/pdf_court/CA026295
One thing I forgot.
With any kind of insurance, and WCB is an insurance program, the burden of proof rests with the insured, not the insurer, unless you can prove that it is an occupational disease/injury such as asbestosis.
Try and find a lawyer that will do a “judicial review” without a big chunk of cash up front Gus. I’ve been down all the roads with these clowns, costing me thousands of dollars, a marriage, and a ruined family. You don’t get fair justice in this Democratic Country unless you have money, lots of money Gus.
Taxi
I’d sure like to talk to you privately Gus! See if Ben will connect us if you want!
Go ahead taxi …. ask Ben, he can give you my e-mail. I van have a look at your info and tell you more once I have the details. :-)
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