UBC’s 2018 COR Research Brief Available

The Research Brief “An audit-based occupation health and safety recognition program: Does certification lead to lower firm work-injury rates?” has been posted on UBC’s website for public distribution.   The analysis has been updated and extended in this Research Brief by examining two additional years of data (i.e. 2015 and 2016).

September 2018 Work-related Incidents Reported to WorkSafeBC

September 25, 2018 These summaries of selected Construction work-related incidents recently reported to WorkSafeBC may help you to prevent similar incidents. See additional summaries online. Injury Type: Lacerated finger Core Activity: Blasting or avalanche control / Industrial, commercial, institutional, or highrise residential contracting or construction Location: Vancouver Island/Coastal B.C. Date of Incident: 2018-Sep ID Number:…

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Alberta Construction Association opposes WCB Accident Fund proposal

Journal of Commerce |  Grant Cameron |  September 26, 2018 The Alberta Construction Association (ACA) is opposing a proposal by the provincial Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) to split its present Accident Fund into two distinct and segregated components. The ACA, which represents about 3,000 firms across Alberta’s construction industry, contends such a move could, in the end,…

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B.C. industry stakeholders get ready for legal marijuana

Journal of Commerce  |  Warren Frey   |  September 26, 2018 With only a few weeks to go, the construction industry is getting ready for the legalization of marijuana. On Oct. 17 recreational marijuana will be legal across Canada, and British Columbia’s construction and safety stakeholders are preparing employers and workers for a new, yet familiar situation….

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WorkSafeBC Public Hearing on Electronic Detonators

WorkSafeBC is holding public hearings on the proposed amendments to Part 21 of the OHS Regulation relating to electronic detonators. Feedback can be provided in writing (through the website) or in person. Please see the links below for more information.   Hearing dates and locations: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/public-hearings-consultations/current-public-hearings-and-consultations/2018-public-hearings-proposed-regulatory-amendments/public-hearing-details   Proposed amendments with explanatory notes and feedback deadline:…

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WorkSafeBC Public Hearings on Concrete Formwork

WorkSafeBC is holding public hearings on the proposed amendments to Part 20 of the OHS Regulation relating to concrete formwork. Feedback can be provided in writing (through the website) or in person. Please see the links below for more information.   Hearing dates and locations: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/public-hearings-consultations/current-public-hearings-and-consultations/2018-public-hearings-proposed-regulatory-amendments/public-hearing-details   Proposed amendments with explanatory notes and feedback deadline:…

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Public hearings on proposed regulatory amendments

September 20, 2018 WorkSafeBC will hold public hearings in October 2018. These hearings are with regard to the following proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation: Parts 8 and 34, Safety Headgear, sections 8.11(2) and 34.14(d) Part 8, Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment, sections 8.14–8.18, eye and face protection Part 20, Construction, Excavation…

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WorkSafeBC Ergonomics Forum

In recognition of Ergonomics Month in October, WorkSafeBC is hosting its annual Ergonomics Forum on October 11 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Please join us to network and to hear speakers from WorkSafeBC, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Simon Fraser University present on a variety of topics, including: MSI assessment tools Ergonomics for offices, mobile offices,…

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Free construction series webinars

The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) has partnered with the Work Wellness and Disability Prevention Institute (WWDPI) and the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) to provide educational webinars on various construction work health topics. Organizational and individual intervention methods that improved Total Worker Health® in construction workers October 23,…

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SCA Preps members for cannabis legalization

Journal of Commerce | Grant Cameron | September 19, 2018 Contractors should ensure they have clear impairment policies in place and that their field supervisors and employees understand them now that recreational marijuana use is about to become legal in Canada, says John Lax, director of advocacy and communications at the Saskatchewan Construction Association (SCA). “It has…

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Bridging the Gap safety conference to tackle new trends in October

Journal of Commerce  |  Warren Frey |  September 17, 2018 One of the Lower Mainland’s safety stalwarts is tackling new territory as it brings its community together. The British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) will hold the Bridging the Gap safety conference on Oct. 25 and 26 at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver. The keynote speaker…

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WorkSafeBC reinforces exercising caution around concrete blocks

Journal Of Commerce  |   News Service   |  September 17, 2018 VANCOUVER — Concrete locking blocks, a common sight at construction sites, can be a serious hazard if moved improperly. WorkSafeBC recently issued a bulletin reminding workers of some of the risks and best practices for using them. Concrete locking blocks are used to build silos, containment…

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August 2018 Work Related Incidents Reported to WorkSafeBC

September 6, 2018 These summaries of selected work-related incidents recently reported to WorkSafeBC may help you to prevent similar incidents. See additional summaries online. Injury Type: Head lacerations, suspected shoulder injury Core Activity: House or other wood frame contracting, construction, or renovation work Location: Vancouver Island/Coastal B.C. Date of Incident: 2018-Aug ID Number: 2018182170011 A…

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Employers didn’t protect workers’ safety in fatal ammonia leak: WorkSafeBC

The Canadian Press   |  August 30, 2018 RICHMOND, B.C. – A refrigeration company and a municipality have been cited by WorkSafeBC under health and safety regulations after three workers died last year when they were exposed to ammonia at an arena in Fernie, B.C. The workplace safety agency released Wednesday (Aug. 29) its 74-page incident investigation…

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B.C. adopts 2018 edition of B.C. Building Code

Journal Of Commerce   |    News Service |   September 5, 2018 VICTORIA — The Province of British Columbia has adopted the 2018 edition of the British Columbia Building Code which includes Book II Plumbing Services (BC Building and Plumbing Code). The new BC Building and Plumbing Code will be effective as of Dec. 10 and applies…

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Safety Differently Reminder

It is going to be a busy Fall and Winter – Jeff Lyth has three events scheduled: November 1 & 2 2018 Culture Leadership Masterclass with Dr. Robert Long https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/culture-leadership-masterclass-with-dr-robert-long-tickets-48392474193   November 27 2018 i-HOP: An Introduction to Human and Organizational Performance with Dr. Todd Conklin https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/i-hop-an-introduction-to-human-organizational-performance-with-drtodd-conklin-tickets-47000706378   February 8 2019 Safety Differently: A ‘Principles…

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