LaFarge’s Richmond plant has been fined almost $340,000 by WorkSafeBC for its failure to assess hazards in a confined workspace.
During an inspection at the plant on No. 9 Road, WorkSafeBC saw workers inside a large container used for processing materials while making cement.
They were applying a lining to an interior wall of the container.
WorkSafeBC concluded LaFarge didn’t have work procedures to address specific hazards of the refractory, scaffolding and mechanical work that was taking place in the confined space.
“The firm failed to conduct an adequate confined space hazard assessment, and failed to develop written procedures to eliminate or minimize hazards,” WorkSafeBC stated.
Furthermore, both the lack of assessment and written procedures were repeat violations.
The full fine imposed on LaFarge on July 22 was $339,444.
