It’s a problem that both the construction industry and work safety organizations have been trying to get a handle on for years.
Exposure to asbestos is not only dangerous for workers in the construction industry, but also the general public.
In light of the dangers, Burnaby city council is hoping to put pressure on the provincial government by passing a resolution calling for mandatory certification and licensing of asbestos and hazardous material removal contractors.
Along with the resolution, the city is sending a letter to the provincial government and the Premier with the request.
Asbestos was a popular building material for decades, but exposure to the fibre is linked to several diseases, including lung cancer.
Coun. Sav Dhaliwal, who made the motion at Monday’s council meeting, said certification for asbestos removal is a longstanding issue, adding there isn’t adequate protection for workers in the industry.
“I think the situation has become so serious, when we look at the stats, the number of deaths and other illnesses, we need to have some action on it,” he said, noting asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related deaths in B.C.
The city councillor also pointed out there is currently no provincial certification or licensing in B.C. to ensure standards or allow for the suspension of non-compliant contractors.
Dhaliwal did suggest there should be time and reasonable notice for the industry to adjust to any regulations.
An association that represents the construction industry said it welcomes certification for asbestos removal contractors, but argued it may not be enough to address the issue.
Dave Baspaly, the president of the Council of Construction Associations (COCA), a group that represents several construction associations in B.C., suggested the problem isn’t with the “gold standard” of asbestos abatement companies, but rather the fly-by-night businesses that undercut the industry and dump waste where they’re not supposed to, in places like city parks.
He said the companies operating in the underground economy are making deals with homeowners that regulated companies can’t match.
Baspaly said regulations like the ones proposed by Burnaby could have unintended consequences by driving up the costs for certified companies and pushing people to seek operators in the underground economy.
He said enforcement and incentives need to be part of the answer, adding his organization is urging all the parties with a stake in the issue to come together to work out a solution.
“It’s a complicated issue, it’s a pervasive issue and people are still very much at risk,” Baspaly said.
The head of COCA said he’s not exactly sure how much asbestos is in the current building and housing stock in the region, but anecdotally he’s heard from members that it’s a “big issue.”
