Unsafe storage racks net Kelowna cabinet company $69,000 fine

A Kelowna cabinet company has been fined $69,000 for having damaged storage racks in its warehouse.

According to a March 31 WorkSafeBC penalty notice, Norelco Cabinets failed to make sure the racks used for storing materials were capable of safely holding the items put on them.

A WorkSafeBC inspector found damage to one rack, another twisted, and missing or improperly installed anchor bolts at the feet of several racks.

“These deficiencies may compromise the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the storage racking and indicate that the racking may not be capable of safely supporting the items stored on it,” a WorkSafeBC report states.

The company also hadn’t put up signage or documentation visible to workers indicating the rated capacity of the storage racking.

The report says the company’s monthly health and safety committee meeting indicated that monthly inspections of the racks were carried out.

“However, these inspections did not identify the observed damage to the storage racking,” the report reads.

The report states that Norelco Cabinets was unable to provide instructions from the manufacturer or a professional engineer for safely loading, unloading and maintaining the storage racking.

“These were all high-risk violations,” the penalty notice reads.

Along with safety issues with the racks, the WorkSafeBC report also states that the company had left confidential employee first aid records on a counter in the first aid room.

“(The company) agreed that leaving the records on the counter, even if the room is locked, does not meet the intent of keeping the records confidential,’ the report reads.

Ultimately, Norelco Cabinets was issued a $69,280 fine.