WorkSafeBC recently issued two administrative penalties amounting to nearly $28,000 to Welbec Properties in Vernon for high-risk violations related to asbestos removal.
Welbec is the owner and property manager of a multi-unit commercial building undergoing renovations earlier this year.
First, a $9,270.23 penalty was issued for removing asbestos-containing material (ACM) without ensuring a proper risk assessment was conducted by a qualified person.
According to the summary, the firm failed to take the necessary precautions to protect workers, to prevent the spread of asbestos dust and debris, and to ensure procedures for handling ACMs minimized the release of airborne asbestos fibres. Work took place in a staircase removing ACM vinyl floor tiles.
"These are high-risk violations and a stop-work order was issued during the initial inspection on Jan. 23," said Yesenia Dhott, WorkSafeBC advisor, government and media relations.
During a follow-up inspection, a WorkSafeBC officer observed a worker from this employer (plus two consultants) exiting the workplace without personal protective equipment. The worker was not qualified to perform asbestos abatement work activities and violated the stop-work order by entering the workplace and conducting asbestos abatement work activities.
Therefore, an additional administrative penalty of $18,540.46 was issued.
Asbestos exposure is the number one killer of workers in B.C. and was a contributing factor in 37 work-related deaths in 2024, or about 25 per cent of all work-related deaths in the year.
This is why WorkSafeBC has implemented mandatory training and licensing for asbestos abatement work to help keep workers safe from the danger of asbestos.
Learn more at worksafebc.com.
Welbec owns commercial property at 1935 11th Ave and redeveloped what is now the Service Canada building, among other tenants, on 30th Avenue.
Welbec owns the former Vernon Legion site, which is currently vacant, but has plans to develop a mixed-use project with a commercial as well as affordable residential component. It is currently in the planning stages.
