The City of Cranbrook is facing a $175,783.78 fine from WorkSafeBC for alleged safety violations at Western Financial Place during a Monster Truck event in February.

In a synopsis of the fine imposed June 19, WorkSafeBC stated: “WorkSafeBC inspected a motorsport event held by this employer. During the inspection, WorkSafeBC observed that dirt used for the trackway had been taken from a wastewater treatment plant without being tested for potential contamination from hazardous substances.

“Also, the gas detection monitors for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide were reading levels above the acceptable exposure limit. The employer failed to remedy workplace conditions that were hazardous to the health and safety of workers.

“The employer also failed to conduct a walkthrough survey to assess the potential for overexposure to hazardous substances, failed to assess the work area to determine the potential for exposure to harmful levels of exhaust from mobile equipment, and failed to implement an exposure control plan.

“These were all high-risk violations.”

The city stated July 5 it is appealing the allegations and “takes these allegations seriously and will work with WorkSafeBC to ensure all events protect public and staff safety.

“WorkSafeBC alleges that engine exhaust levels were too high for staff working during the event. These types of events held in arenas anywhere always experience high exhaust levels.

“WorkSafeBC also alleges that dirt used as part of the Monster Truck event may have been contaminated, despite the fact that this was clean fill taken from the 30th Avenue road construction project being completed by the College of the Rockies. This fill was being stored on a portion of city-owned land, which also has the lagoons located on a different part of the property.”

e-KNOW

Article Share