100 MILE HOUSE, BC — West Fraser Mills (WFM) had just cause to fire a worker who violated a safety policy on May 13, 2024, and tried to minimize the risk involved, according to an arbitrator. …WFM had a lock-out procedure program and policy that were mandatory for employees performing work on energized equipment, including conveyor belts. …On May 28, WFM terminated the worker’s employment for cause. The union grieved, conceding that discipline was warranted but arguing that termination was excessive for an employee with 19 years of service and no safety-related discipline. …The arbitrator noted that the central issue as whether termination was an excessive response, pointing out that violation of safety rules constitutes a serious workplace offence and lock-out procedures are among the most important safety features in workplaces such as lumber mills. …The arbitrator also found that the worker’s conduct following the incident raised concerns over whether he would work safely if reinstated.