BCFSC and MAG developed resource materials for manufacturing companies to raise awareness for Dust Safety.
Use these resources to share at your worksite.
Seven years (2012-2018) of progress in combustible dust mitigation and control - from 42% compliance to 100% compliance.
Following the two tragic sawmill explosions that took the lives of four men over seven years ago, the significant risks associated with wood dust in manufacturing propelled the Forest Products Manufacturing Industry, Labour Unions and WorkSafeBC to come together and work on strong mitigation and control measures from 2012 to 2018.
During this time, the number of BC Sawmills that underwent inspections and responded to WorkSafeBC recommendations rose from a 47% compliance rate to 100% compliance and industry-wide support for combustible dust inspection initiatives.
In 2019, there are well-established, significant mitigation and control practices in place to eliminate wood dust risk. Such practices involve monitoring operations for potential hazards, employee training, an annual review of combustible dust programs, and an external audit every three years.
