WorkSafeBC has issued orders that include the imposition of an administrative penalty and a claims cost levy against Lakeland Mills Ltd., located in Prince George.
On April 23, 2012, at approximately 9:30 p.m. there was a fire and explosion at the Lakeland Mills sawmill at 1385 River Road. The northeast corner of the sawmill exploded outward; a few seconds later, the mill’s northern bag house erupted in flames. The explosion travelled east to west through the operating level of the mill. The sawmill caught fire as a result of the explosion and was destroyed. Two workers died and many others were injured.
Lakeland Mills Ltd. has been found to be in violation of the Workers Compensation Act (the “Act”) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Information regarding violations is contained in an Inspection Report issued to Lakeland Mills Ltd. on May 12, 2014. Two orders for Administrative Penalty and Claims Cost Levy were issued in an Inspection Report to Lakeland Mills Ltd. on July 29, 2014.
Under the authority of Section 196 of the Act an administrative penalty has been imposed against Lakeland Mills Ltd. in the amount of $97,500. Under Section 73(1) of the Act, a claims cost levy has been imposed in the amount of $626,663.28 for a total balance due of $724,163.28.
The full press release is available here.
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