Elevated levels of carbon monoxide results in fine

Farmers' Fresh Mushrooms failed to warn workers of potential hazard

Farmers' Fresh Mushrooms of Langley, B.C., has been fined $66,674.

 

During an inspection of this firm's mushroom farming facility, WorkSafeBC detected elevated levels of carbon monoxide when a worker opened the door to a grow room.

 

WorkSafeBC determined that the firm's exposure control plan (ECP) for hazards such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and low-oxygen atmospheres was inadequate, lacking details about monitoring, ventilation, and administration.

 

In addition, the doors to the facility's grow rooms lacked placards to warn workers about the potential hazards of carbon monoxide and low-oxygen atmospheres. Also, ECP training records and bump test and calibration information was not available.

 

A stop-work order was issued. The firm failed to implement an exposure control plan for conditions where workers could be exposed to hazardous substances. This was a repeated and high-risk violation. 

 

Source: WorkSafeBC