Part 2 of 3: Lockout and Confined Space Defense Strategies

The BC Safety Briefing

Welcome to Part Two of our three-part series examining WCAT decisions involving a BC sawmill company. In this episode, we analyze two significant cases involving lockout procedures and confined space entry requirements that resulted in penalties totaling over $200,000. **Cases Covered:** - WCAT Decision A1703150 (2019): $75,000 lockout penalty - The critical distinction between emergency stops and lockout devices, and how procedural delays influenced the outcome - WCAT Decision A1801980 (2019): $142,497 confined space penalty - How proactive regulatory engagement and comprehensive safety programs influenced WCAT's decision **Key Learning Points:** - Understanding precise regulatory definitions under the BC OHS Regulation - The difference between emergency stop systems and lockout procedures - How procedural delays in penalty imposition can affect outcomes - The value of proactive engagement with WorkSafeBC when compliance questions arise - How comprehensive safety programs and documentation influence WCAT's penalty analysis **Educational Focus:** This episode provides factual analysis of WCAT's decision-making process and practical insights for BC safety professionals. We examine how these cases demonstrate the importance of understanding regulatory requirements precisely and maintaining comprehensive safety management systems. **Series Context:** - Part 1 covered combustible dust and table saw guarding cases - Part 3 will examine a serious workplace injury case and WCAT's analysis of due diligence Remember, this AI-generated content is for educational purposes only—not legal or professional advice. **Resources:** - WCAT Decision A1703150: Lockout procedures and regulatory definitions - WCAT Decision A1801980: Confined space entry requirements - BC OHS Regulation Sections 9.5, 10.3, and 115(1)(a) - WorkSafeBC Prevention Manual policies on administrative penalties