Education equals safety

Proteck Hazardous Materials Management Ltd. puts education at the top of the list

Dean Kroeker works closely with his skilled team to get the job done. — Kirsten Armleder photo

Proteck Hazardous Materials Management Ltd. is a new company in Cranbrook focused on asbestos abatement and mould remediation. The company opened for business in early 2012, and is already very busy. Dean Kroeker, regional manager, said that Proteck is the answer to an obvious gap in the Kootenay construction industry.

Kroeker also said that asbestos exposure has been identified by WorkSafeBC as the number 1 killer of workers in B.C. Although its use has been phased out, the material is still present in many buildings.

“Unfortunately, corners have been cut where the removal of asbestos is concerned,” said Kroeker. “Our goal is education and keeping people safe. Education is the biggest asset anybody can have."

Abatement contractors are subject to stringent rules enforced by each provincial government to maximize the safety of workers and the general public. Proteck provides an unbiased assessment so that the interests of the building owners, occupants and contractors are all equally attended to. Kroeker said that their team of 10 local staff members—experienced in the construction industry and fully accredited and qualified in their field—are available for any size of project. He said with support staff from companies such as AMEC Environment and Infrastructure, Proteck ensures only the highest levels of service are provided to its clients. The company is currently servicing Western Canada, with plans to expand.

“We all want to come home safely to our families and work to live,” said Kroeker. “Through awareness and enforcement, hopefully our next generation won't put themselves in harm's way.”

The company is set to join a team of other construction companies to begin working on a large project at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.