Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | July 25, 2025
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — WorkSafeBC recently issued a penalty of $467,496.80 to Axis Family Resources for a “high-risk violation” at a Williams Lake worksite pertaining to repeated asbestos violations.
According to a release, the firm operates a residential social services facility.
WorkSafeBC inspected the worksite to review the implementation of their exposure control plan after walls with identified asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) had been damaged and needed repairs.
WorkSafeBC issued a stop-work order after determining a contractor without a valid asbestos abatement licence had done renovation work on the walls.
As the owner of the building, the firm failed to ensure the asbestos abatement contractor held a valid licence and that all ACMs present in the workplace were identified with signs or labels, the release reads.
The firm also failed to ensure the exposure control plan was administered by a properly trained person and failed to ensure the health and safety of all workers at the workplace.
WorkSafeBC notes these were all repeated violations and the firm failed to take the necessary precautions to protect workers before allowing work that would disturb ACMs, which is considered a high-risk violation.
WorkSafeBC imposed the penalty on June 19.
Asbestos exposure is the number one killer of workers in B.C. and was a contributing factor in 32 work-related deaths in 2024.
WorkSafeBC implemented mandatory training and licensing for asbestos abatement work to help keep workers safe.