A modular home building company in Kelowna that recently made headlines for undermining the union representing its employees, is also being investigated for workplace safety.
SRI Kelowna failed to meet a deadline for compliance set out by WorkSafeBC.
An inspection of the facility on Jim Bailey Road was completed on Dec. 6, 2023, in which an occupational safety officer with WorkSafeBC found a biological hazard.
WorkSafeBC inspected the SRI Kelowna facility following a report of mould on the lumber being received for construction. A workplace inspection report dated Dec. 11, 2023, confirmed the presence of black mould of varying amounts on incoming lumber.
The employer told the inspector that lumber with slight discolouration from the mould could be treated with chemicals, however, it was found handling the chemical required training and protective gear which had not been provided to staff.
Upon receiving the report, SRI Kelowna was given a number of orders and a deadline of Dec. 31, 2023, to comply.
The orders are that the employer must implement a system to ensure that the identity of the chemical, its potential effects on workers and precautions to protect worker health and safety are clearly indicated, that the information be relayed to employees, that written procedures are implemented to eliminate or minimize the risk of exposure and to address cleanup procedures in the event of a spill, and that the supervisor and workers are trained for safe handling, use, storage and disposal of the chemical agent. A Notice of Compliance Report is also to be submitted.
The deadline came and went, and days later on Jan. 5, the company submitted its report to say they held a Tool Box Talk with employees and would be bringing in a third party to train staff closer to the end of the month. As of Jan. 8, SRI Kelowna had yet to comply with the orders in place.
SRI Kelowna had not responded to interview requests at the time of publication.
READ MORE: Kelowna home building company undermines union wage agreement
The company has a history of delaying action on WorkSafe orders. The company received an order from WorkSafe on Sept. 20, 2023, to complete a risk assessment for the process of moving drywall. The inspector concluded that the repetition, posture, force, and working heights exposed workers to a risk of musculoskeletal injury. The employer claimed to have completed the assessment, but WorkSafeBC found there was no member of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee involved in the assessment and the order was still outstanding as of Dec. 4, 2023.
WorkSafeBC has the ability to fine any workplace that does not comply with orders. Failure to comply in a timely manner to orders considered high risk can result in an administrative penalty for the business. Failure to comply with orders considered lower risk can result in a citation. WorkSafeBC can also issue stop work orders when the health and safety of employees is at immediate risk.
SRI Kelowna is listed on Google with a 3.2-star rating out of five. The company is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau.