Washington L&I Fine Spokane Valley Sawmill $126,000 for Safety Hazards — Occupational Health & Safety

Washington L&I Fine Spokane Valley Sawmill $126,000 for Safety Hazards

A Spokane Valley sawmill has been fined for severe health and safety violations after Washington state inspectors found extensive fire hazards and machinery risks.

• By Robert Yaniz Jr.
• Nov 11, 2024

A Spokane Valley sawmill is under scrutiny after Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) identified severe health and safety risks at its facility. Fox Lumber Sales faces more than $126,000 in fines for 61 safety and health violations, with inspectors describing conditions that posed immediate threats to worker safety.

According to a recent release, the sawmill’s floors and machinery were covered in highly combustible sawdust up to five inches deep, exceeding the maximum allowable amount of 1/8 inch. Fox Lumber has a collection system to suck up dust created from its wood-cutting activities, which result in pallet parts, wood stakes and other items for sale.

L&I inspectors also found space heaters plugged in while sitting atop sawdust, thereby creating a fire hazard. These should be at least three feet away from any combustible materials, and this Fox Lumber location experienced two fires since opening in January 2024. Some violations were cited three years ago, contributing to the size of the fine.

“Almost everywhere our inspectors turned, they found hazards that could injure or kill a worker,” Craig Blackwood, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, said in a statement. “It’s frustrating to find a company repeating the same mistakes over and over, but that won’t stop us from holding them accountable and demanding the hazards are fixed.”

Beyond these violations, Fox Lumber was also cited for failing to protect workers from dangerous machine parts, such as exposed chains, saw blades and conveyor belts. Inspectors reported additional risks from unprotected falls, flying objects and inadequate worker training. Despite the violations, the company is appealing the fines.