United Steelworkers Statement on Recommendations of Coroner's Inquest into Lakeland Sawmill Explosion

BURNABY, BC, May 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Stephen Hunt, Director of the United Steelworkers District 3, released the following statement in response to the recommendations of the Coroner's Inquest into the Lakeland sawmill explosion:

"We thank the jury for their diligent work on a very difficult case. We are pleased with a number of recommendations that affirm actions that our union has been calling for, specifically an emphasis on the rights of workers – including the right to refuse unsafe work – and training for police on investigations of criminal negligence in workplace deaths.

"The recommendations also underscore the need for a public inquiry into the sawmill explosions to deliver on the promised accountability and justice for victims and their families. The Premier made that commitment; despite the fact that by its very nature an inquest is unable to provide it. 

"A glaring example is the failure of the Inquest to assess the flawed investigation by WorkSafeBC and why the agency did not enforce safety regulations.

"There are now even more outstanding questions that need to be answered and British Columbians are left wondering how long they must wait until they are answered. This has been very hard on the families who lost loved ones, and at the very least, they deserve to see the Premier to live up to her government's commitment of justice for victims."

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Stephen Hunt, USW District 3 Director, 604-816-2554; Brad West, USW Communications, 604-313-9185, [email protected]