Washington Sawmill Fined $126K for 61 Safety and Health Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is levying more than $126,000 in fines for 61 reported safety and health violations by a lumber seller.

Fox Lumber Sales buys leftover wood, cuts it down, and sells it for pallet parts, wood stakes and other uses. The process creates highly combustible sawdust, which is normally, sucked up by a collection system. But an L&I inspection reportedly found piles up to five inches deep. The allowable amount of sawdust accumulation is 1/8 inch, according to L&I.

Inspectors also reportedly found several space heaters plugged in, sitting on top of sawdust creating a fire danger.

Fox Lumber has had two fires break out since they opened in January 2024, according to L&I.

Several of the violations are the same as Fox Lumber was cited for three years ago, which is one of the reasons for the size of the fine, the agency says.

In addition to violations related to combustible dust, the company was cited for not protecting workers from dangerous machine parts including chains, saws blades, grinders, conveyor belts and other woodworking equipment. L&I also reportedly found violations related to exposure to falls, flying objects and lack of worker training.

The company is appealing the citations and fines.