WorkSafe BC is ordering a full risk assessment and safety review of all saw mills in the province after a deadly mill explosion in Prince George.

It is not clear what this means for mills in the Cowichan Valley. Calls to mill owner, Western Forest Products, which own and operate eight sawmills on the island, have not been returned. 

The investigation is in its early stages, but WorkSafe BC is focusing on “combustible dust” as a factor in the Monday night explosion.

WorkSafe BC has ordered all sawmill operators to conduct inspections, specifically looking for dust accumulation and ignition sources.

Spokesperson Roberta Ellis said combustible dust may be to blame for both the Prince George and Burns Lake sawmill explosions.  

The man killed in Monday’s explosion has been identified as 43-year-old Alan Little, a supervisor at the Lakeland sawmill.

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