British Columbia Federation of Labour

Vancouver, BC - The BC Federation of Labour is calling a jail term handed to Arthur Moore important, but light punishment, in the face of dozens of workers who may one day perish from asbestos related diseases, as a result of Mr. Moore’s actions.

Arthur Moore was sentenced to 60 days in jail today, in connection with his lead role in exposing dozens of workers to asbestos with no protection or training, after repeated warnings and orders from the Workers’ Compensation Board.  In his sentencing for civil contempt, the judge noted the importance of ensuring the integrity of Workers’ Compensation Board orders as a means of protecting worker safety.

“An important message is being sent today that if you willfully expose your employees to known carcinogens, you will end up in jail,” said Federation President, Jim Sinclair.  “Every employer has a duty to make work safe.  When they fail to do so through negligence or intent, the consequences must be real.”

Sinclair noted that Mr. Moore was a serious repeat offender, and that only after multiple court appearances and repeated violations has he finally been sentenced to jail.

“Had the legal system acted swiftly and clearly from day one, Mr. Moore may have been prevented from exposing many workers, some as young as 14, to deadly asbestos fibers,” said Sinclair.

Sinclair repeated calls for a strengthening of workplace safety requirements and for the use of the criminal code in cases of neglect causing serious injury and death.  He noted that in the Moore case, the sentencing was for civil contempt of court, with minor maximum penalties relative to those allowed under criminal code convictions.

“The judge today noted that the WCB and crown have the ability to bring criminal charges in cases like this,” said Sinclair.  “It is time the crown began to use its authority and the law to prosecute employers who willfully endanger the lives of their employees, and the case of Mr. Moore couldn’t be clearer.”

Asbestos related diseases are now responsible for more than half of work related deaths each year.  Fatal asbestos related diseases can take from 10 to 40 years following exposure to develop.

For more information contact Michael Gardiner, 778-836-2108