Joint Health and Safety Committee-related Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Changes

On December 14, 2016, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved the addition of the following new sections to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation:

1. Section 3.26: Requires an annual evaluation to measure the effectiveness of joint committees.
   Approved amendments with explanatory notes
2. Section 3.27: Establishes the mandatory minimum training and education for joint committee members and worker health and safety representatives.
   Approved amendments with explanatory notes
3. Section 3.28: Clarifies the meaning of “participation” in section 174 of the Workers Compensation Act by providing three additional examples of participation by worker and employer representatives in an employer incident investigation.
   Approved amendments with explanatory notes

With regard to the three new regulatory sections, WorkSafeBC posted a discussion paper on worksafebc.com for stakeholder consultation and held five public hearings (one via teleconference). Stakeholder comments were reported to WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors for its consideration. WorkSafeBC appreciates all feedback. A table summarizing the stakeholder feedback WorkSafeBC received for each of the sections can be viewed below.

• Section 3.26 Evaluation of Joint Committees
• Section 3.27 Minimum training requirements for new joint committee members or worker health and safety representatives
• Section 3.28 Participation by employer or representative of employer and worker representative

These new sections come into force April 3, 2017. You may also view the complete Board of Directors resolution.