Lumber Mill Faces $250K Fine in Worker Death

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Ministry of Labour imposed a fine of $250,000 on Rayonier Advanced Materials for an incident that took place at its Chapleau lumber mill that led to the death of a forklift operator.

The incident occurred in May 2018, when William Pye- the forklift operator was removing bundles of wood from the mill’s kiln and placing them in the yard. After placing a load of wood in the yard, the loader was reversed. The operator got out to place crossers in order to ensure space between bundles.

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While placing the third crosser, the loader rolled forward, with the worker caught between the loader and the wood bundle. He was exposed to major injuries, which ultimately led to the death of the worker.

According to the ruling, Rayonier will have to pay the fine of $250,000. In addition, Raqyonier will also need to pay 25% fine surcharge, which in turn will be credited to the provincial fund to assist victims of crime.

The incident had taken place six days before Rayonier Advanced Materials took over the company from Tembec Industries.