Are Your Workplace Safety Standards Being Met?
A recent inspection by WorkSafeBC has revealed serious safety violations at Dexterra’s SkyTrain cleaning operations in Vancouver, raising significant concerns for worker safety. The inspection identified six outstanding safety orders related to health and safety practices across the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines. Workers, represented by SEIU Local 2, expressed frustration over Dexterra’s failure to address these issues, which they had previously raised during a TransLink Board meeting. Instead of taking action, Dexterra allegedly concealed the inspection report from its employees.
The violations noted in the WorkSafeBC report include a lack of mandatory health and safety orientation for workers, inadequate training records, and failure to provide essential vaccinations for those exposed to blood and bodily fluids. Additionally, the company did not implement necessary safety procedures for cleaning near active rail platforms and neglected to ensure emergency eyewash stations were available at some SkyTrain stations. These shortcomings highlight a troubling disregard for the health and safety of workers, which is crucial for anyone wanting to ensure a safe working environment.
While the findings are alarming, it’s important to note that the situation is still developing. WorkSafeBC has given Dexterra a compliance deadline that has already passed, and the company has yet to rectify the violations. SEIU Local 2 is actively calling for Dexterra to comply with all safety orders and has sought a meeting with TransLink leadership to discuss these pressing issues. The outcome of this situation could have implications for worker safety standards across similar operations and emphasizes the need for employers to prioritize health and safety measures for their employees.