Asbestos Removal Company Ordered To Stop Operations after $1 Million in Penalties

When it comes to asbestos removal violations, how many is too much? WorkSafeBC has just answered that questions when it comes to a repeat offender operating in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Repeated Violations
BCS Contracting Ltd. is listed as an asbestos abatement company. They’re based in Surrey, but work largely in Burnaby. Since 2011, they’ve racked up a whopping $1,118,000 in penalties (a total of 16) for improper asbestos removal procedures, along with five stop-work orders. It has been issued five fines since 2013 alone.

The most recent penalty was issued in March 2017, when the company was fined $628,034.57 related to work at two houses. Violations include:

• Asbestos removal workers without respiratory protection or proper work clothing;
• Failing to contain asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACM);
• Failing to use the proper procedures for handling asbestos.

Earlier this year, the court issued an order that the company stop any and all work that could possibly involve asbestos or ACM, until the company met a list of conditions. These included:

• Informing workers about the risks and training them in safe asbestos handling practices;
• Providing adequate supervision of workers handling asbestos;
• Providing a written plan that details the steps the company will take to bring its practices into line with regulations.

Many advocates say the case is an example of why licensing should be mandatory for asbestos removal contractors and others who handle hazardous materials.

Safety And Asbestos
We’re just as frustrated with companies who violate the law – and good sense – as anyone else. When asbestos removal companies try to cut corners with inadequately trained and prepared workers, they endanger not only their employees, but the building owners, and anyone in the vicinity. Improperly contained asbestos or ACM can spread throughout a home and even a neighbourhood on the wind.

If you believe your home contains asbestos, we can help. You can trust the experienced asbestos removal experts and asbestos remediation experts at Green Stream Environmental to take care of your asbestos issues. In the Toronto area contact Environmental at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.