Hotel Chain Faces Asbestos Safety Violations

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News Summary

A prominent hotel chain has been fined $2,500 by WorkSafeBC for serious asbestos safety violations during renovations at the Coast Penticton Hotel. Inspections revealed hazardous conditions with workers exposed to asbestos during construction, leading to a stop work order and mandatory clean-up. The new management emphasizes commitment to safety, as WorkSafeBC continues to enhance protocols regarding hazardous materials.

Major Hotel Chain Fined for Asbestos-Related Safety Violations

In a troubling turn of events, a prominent hotel chain has been slapped with a fine for serious safety oversights related to hazardous materials during renovations at their Pentecost hotel. The penalty comes from WorkSafeBC following an inspection that raised significant red flags regarding asbestos safety protocols.

Inspection Reveals Dangerous Conditions

WorkSafeBC inspectors conducted a site visit back in April, and what they discovered was alarming. Workers were actively engaged in electrical work in areas where dust and debris from demolished walls and ceilings were pervasive. The inspection revealed that sections of old drywall were carelessly being removed without the necessary safety precautions in place, indicating a blatant disregard for worker safety.

Moreover, the inspectors highlighted that two construction debris bins contained drywall with a textured coating, which is often associated with asbestos. Alarmingly, it was noted that the hotel’s management had not secured a pre-renovation hazardous material inspection survey report from a qualified individual, which is a mandatory step before any such work can commence.

Stop Work Order and Hazardous Materials Detection

On April 17, 2025, a stop work order was issued immediately to halt all activities at the hotel. Following this, a thorough inspection was conducted on May 7, where a licensed professional confirmed the presence of asbestos-containing debris linked to textured coats in the ceiling throughout several units. In response to this critical finding, the hotel engaged a certified asbestos abatement contractor to conduct a full clean-up and ensure the safe removal of the hazardous materials.

The follow-up inspections confirmed that the cleanup was conducted adequately and safely, allowing the hotel to lift the stop work order. However, the severity of the violations could not be overlooked, as WorkSafeBC categorized the hotel’s actions as a repeated and high-risk infringement of safety regulations.

Heavy Financial Penalty Imposed

On June 26, the hotel received a hefty fine of $2,500 due to their negligence concerning asbestos safety. This penalty serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by asbestos exposure, which has been a leading cause of occupational fatalities in British Columbia, contributing to a shocking 32 work-related deaths in the year prior.

Hotel’s Response to Fine and Safety Protocols

Since these incidents occurred under the management of Super 8, the hotel has since changed hands and is now operating as the Coast Penticton Hotel under Coast Hotels Limited. The new management has confirmed that the fines and violations occurred prior to their ownership and stated that they take workplace safety seriously. However, they clarified their inability to comment on the specific circumstances surrounding the incidents that led to the fine, emphasizing the franchised nature of the property.

In light of these events, WorkSafeBC has highlighted their commitment to enhancing worker safety through mandatory training and licensing for individuals involved in asbestos abatement work. This move aims to mitigate risks and protect workers from the dangers associated with asbestos exposure.

Importance of Safe Practices

The situation at the Coast Penticton Hotel serves as a critical reminder of the need for strict adherence to safety measures during construction and renovation projects. Ensuring the safety of workers is paramount, and the fallout from negligence can result not only in financial penalties but also in serious health risks. The call for comprehensive training and protocols in handling hazardous materials like asbestos cannot be overstated.

As the new management continues to focus on fostering a safe working environment, the hope is that incidents of this nature will significantly decline in the future, paving the way for safer workplaces across the region.