B.C. construction oversight organizations dealing with increased volume of work

Journal of Commerce | ASSOCIATIONS | by PETER CAULFIELD | Mar 16, 2017 There is a multitude of diverse organizations in British Columbia that are responsible for one aspect or another of construction oversight. What they all have in common is that the province’s busy construction industry has added to their volume of inspection work. But they differ in the ways…

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New Construction Resources

It’s Personal: A Video Discussion Guide on Bullying and Harassment in Construction –> This is a discussion guide for a series of 10 short videos that focus on various aspects of bullying and harassment in the construction industry. New data shows young construction workers less likely to wear hearing protection –> New 2016 data from WorkSafeBC…

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McLachlan’s advice on success: Be reasonable, relevant and a resource

Journal of Commerce  |  ASSOCIATIONS  |  by RUSSELL HIXSON   |  Mar 7, 2017 last update:Mar 9, 2017  Though Manley McLachlan is leaving the BC Construction Association (BCCA), he says he believes he’s leaving the organization in better shape than he found it back in 2004. “The way I have described it, with no disrespect, the organization had…

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Surrey firefighter’s suicide ruled work-related, benefits awarded to family

Vancouver Sun  |  KENT SPENCER  |  Published on: March 5, 2017 Encouraging news has come to the family of the late Ernie Dombrowski, a Surrey firefighter who took his own life two years ago after suffering workplace trauma. WorkSafe B.C., a provincial agency that pays compensation for employment-related injuries, has determined his death was due…

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B.C. pushes for continuous safety improvement

Journal of  Commerce  |  OH&S |  by PETER CAULFIELD  |  Mar 6, 2017 Thirty-six years ago, on Jan. 7 1981, four workers died during the construction of the Bentall Centre in downtown Vancouver when a fly-form used for pouring concrete broke away from the top of Tower Four. Speaking on this year’s anniversary of the accident, the president…

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B.C. budget slashes taxes, builds infrastructure

Journal of Commerce | GOVERNMENT | by RUSSELL HIXSON  | Feb 27, 2017 The construction industry is applauding B.C.’s 2017 budget, stating it reaps the benefits of fiscal responsibility. And it isn’t just because of money to be spent on infrastructure. New tax measures are also earning praise from industry leaders. The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) of British Columbia…

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Asbestos removers’ ‘nonsense’ lawsuit against WorkSafe B.C. tossed out

Gordon Hoekstra | Vancouver Sun |  Published on: March 1, 2017 A B.C. Supreme Court judge has thrown out a lawsuit by an asbestos removal company against WorkSafe B.C., labelling the suit “arrant nonsense.” It’s the fourth such lawsuit against WorkSafe B.C. launched by Mike Singh, who operates Seattle Environmental Consulting Ltd., and his son Shawn…

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Scott new B.C. Roadbuilders Association President

Journal of Commerce   |   ASSOCIATIONS   |   by JOC NEWS SERVICE   |   Feb 16, 2017 BURNABY, B.C. – Steve Drummond Chair of the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association has announced the appointment of Kelly Scott as its new president. Scott is well known to the industry in Western Canada. He has held senior leadership…

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January 2017 Recent work-related incidents reported to WorkSafeBC

Injury Type: Fatal (1 worker); electrical injuries (1 worker) Core Activity: Siding, awning, or gutter installation, service, or repair Location: Vancouver Island/Coastal B.C. Date of Incident: 2017-Feb ID Number: 2017174090003 During a gutter repair job, an aluminum extension ladder contacted overhead electrical conductors. One worker was fatally injured; another was seriously injured and was airlifted…

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Jack Davidson exits B.C. Road Builders Association

Journal of Commerce  |  ASSOCIATIONS  |  by RUSSELL HIXSON   |  Feb 6, 2017 Jack Davidson, who started at the B.C. Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association 18 years ago, has learned how to do a lot with a little. During his time with the association he helped oversee sweeping safety changes and developed fruitful relationships with…

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WorkSafeBC Board of Directors approves amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

At its January 2017 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The approved amendments relate to the following: Section 1.1, Definitions: Consequential amendments to definitions for combustible and flammable liquids Section 4.56, General Conditions: Work area guards and handrails Sections 4.81, 4.82, and 28.9, General Conditions: Environmental tobacco…

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Chris Gardner named new ICBA president

Journal of Commerce  |  ASSOCIATIONS  |  by JOC NEWS SERVICE  |  Feb 7, 2017 VANCOUVER – The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of British Columbia (ICBA) has announced Chris Gardner as its new president. Gardner replaces Gord Stewart, who was appointed to the role in December of last year. Stewart will remain with the organization as…

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Should more time-loss work injuries be covered by workers’ comp?

Journal of Commerce  |  OH&S  |  by PETER CAULFIELD  |  Feb 7, 2017 More time-loss work injuries should be covered by workers’ compensation, says a British Columbia researcher and consultant. “Despite the legislative intent of workers’ compensation laws, the reality is that many — perhaps most — of those workers who miss time from work due…

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Proposed policy amendments regarding the Partners in Injury and Disability Prevention Program (Partners Program)

At their meeting on December 14, 2016, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors (BOD) approved the release of a discussion paper and draft policies regarding the Partners Program for stakeholder review and comment. The Partners Program is a voluntary program designed to encourage employers in B.C. to take a proactive role in occupational health and safety. Employers…

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