Penticton car wash fined $2,500 in workplace death

PENTICTON – WorkSafeBC has levied a fine against a Penticton car wash in which a workplace death occurred in 2017.

WorkSafeBC imposed a fine of $2,500 on Penticton’s Super Wash on Main Street for the Nov. 8, 2017 fatality, calling it a ‘high-risk violation.’

A worker using a ladder to access a mezzanine housing a water tank for the car wash fell while the worker was using it, resulting in fatal injuries to the worker.

WorkSafe investigators concluded the ladder wasn't suitable for use and workers were inadequately trained about the use of portable ladders.

The investigation also discovered there was no safe access to the mezzanine and no guardrails were installed around the mezzanine.

WorkSafe said in the judgement the firm hadn’t provided adequate worker orientations, or adequately supervised its workers. The car wash did not have a health or safety program and overall failed to ensure the health and safety of its workers.

The fine was imposed on May 16.

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