The Star has devoted considerable space in recent weeks to Meadow Creek Cedar, both its financial plight and dreadful safety record. We will continue to do so.
The mill’s owner and management have so far ignored all requests for comment, which does not exactly inspire confidence in their operation.
Since the start of the year, there have been at least three serious accidents, resulting in two workers losing fingers, and another breaking his leg. The first incident was not reported. The latest effectively shut down the mill until certain safety improvements are completed.
Four logging trucks along with a fifth vehicle operated by companies affiliated with Meadow Creek Cedar’s owner have been taken off the road for safety violations.
Despite being a fair size operation, it is not among the more than 2,500 firms with SAFE certification from the B.C. Forest Safety Council.
WorkSafeBC has cited the company for more than 65 violations since last year and expects to levy fines.
It is time for the mill’s owner and managers to break their silence and explain publicly how they intend to make safety a priority. As a WorkSafeBC report noted, it is not enough to respond to infractions when they are flagged by officers: the company must be proactive.
We want the mill to operate — for it is one of the Lardeau Valley’s few major employers — but only if it is done safely.
If the current proprietors of Meadow Creek Cedar are unable or unwilling, as seems to be the case, perhaps the government should remove their tenure and give it to someone else.
—Nelson Star