Report released into cause of Lakeland Mill blast

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PRINCE GEORGE (NEWS1130) – WorkSafe BC has released its investigative report into what caused a massive explosion and fire that burned down a Prince George sawmill and killed two workers.

However, the Criminal Justice Branch has said the findings by WorkSafeBC won’t lead to any charges against the company, Lakeland Mills.

Stephen Hunt with the United Steelworkers union, says the agency failed to do its job. “I think they really lost their way when it comes to what their mandate is. The mandate is to prevent injuries, illness, and death. After both injuries and death happened, they can’t conduct a proper investigation. There’s no reason to have faith in what they do.”

Hunt says he recently sat down with families of workers who died or were seriously injured and they aren’t happy the report won’t lead to charges. “It was just awful to hear. The frustration, the angry among those people is really tangible. When you think about it, justice has to be appeared to be served. In this case, nothing is happening.”

The WorkSafeBC report found the deadly blast two years ago was preventable and largely related to a huge buildup of wood dust.

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