January 23rd, 2007

WorkSafe BC in Canada has fined a school board and blasted its action, stating that the board was recklessly exposing its staff and students to asbestos. The New Westminster School Board was fined $75,000 by WorkSafe BC, and this was due to alleged asbestos contamination that tool place in 2005 during a demolition project at the high school.

According to the agency employees of the school board were put at serious risk when the removal of the flooring was ordered despite the board’s knowledge that it contained asbestos. The agency is responsible for ensuring workers’ safety and stated that this had been jeopardized when the removal took place.

According to the reports the work carried out created "a large plume of dust which wafted down the corridors of the school and into various classrooms".

No safety precautions were taken by workers because they were unaware of the presence of asbestos in the flooring, and hammers and chisels were used in tearing up the floor. According to one official: ''The dust was so significant that individual teachers approached the school administration and requested that the board be notified.''