At their meeting on May 18, 2016, WorkSafeBCs governing body, the Board of Directors, approved the release of a discussion paper on Assessable Payroll with options and draft policies for stakeholder review and comment. Generally, an employers Assessable Payroll is the remuneration paid to all workers for work done. Premiums are calculated by multiplying an…
Read MoreRecent work-related incidents reported to WorkSafeBC ~ May 2016
Injury Type: Fractured vertebra Core Activity: Painting or wallpapering Location: Lower Mainland Date of Incident: 2016-May ID Number: 2016178740004 A worker replacing a fascia board on a house fell from an extension ladder, landing on the ground about 22 feet below. Injury Type: Lacerations Core Activity: House or other wood frame contracting, construction, or renovation…
Read MoreBC Safety Authority Campaign
In June, BC Safety Authority (BCSA) will be launching an advertising campaign to bring increased awareness to our compliance and enforcement activities. The campaign aims to inform those who own or perform work on regulated equipment of their responsibilities and the consequences of not meeting their safety and compliance obligations. Through this awareness effort, BCSA…
Read MoreLaura Jones: WorkSafeBC rebate for business owners is overdue
Vancouver Sun | Laura Jones Op Ed | Published May 30, 2016 It’s time for WorkSafeBC to give employers some of their own money back. WorksafeBC provides a no-fault workers’ compensation insurance program that is fully paid for by employers. The premiums are used to pay workers who experience workplace injuries and help them…
Read MoreRecent work-related incidents reported to WorkSafeBC ~ April & May 2016
Injury Type: Upper body injury, laceration Core Activity: Structural concrete forming Location: Lower Mainland Date of Incident: 2016-May ID Number: 2016117080007 A worker fell from a work platform and was injured. The work platform on which the worker was standing was not secured against separation from the supporting end-frame scaffold to which it was attached….
Read MoreTrench Work Safety
Trench work is a common activity in construction, but if trench stability is compromised, it can have deadly consequences. Installing adequate shoring is essential to preventing trench collapse and saving lives. See the WorkSafeBC blog – Prevent the collapse of trenches and save lives
2016 Guideline Updates – April
Many sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Workers Compensation Act (“Act“) have associated guidelines. Guidelines are intended to assist with providing ways of complying with the legislation, not to provide exclusive interpretations. Guidelines generally provide information on administrative matters and on technical matters not already addressed by policy. Periodically, guidelines are updated…
Read MoreEmployer Incident Investigation Report Submissions
WorkSafeBC is encouraging you to use their online portal (Employer Incident Investigation Report Submissions) for your incident investigation submissions – its quick, easy and secure. There is also a new publication – Reference Guide for Employer Incident Investigations – designed to help you effectively prepare to investigate an incident at your workplace. Further, their preference is to have employers use their EIIR template,…
Read MoreRecent work-related incidents reported to WorkSafeBC ~ April 2016
Injury Type: Crush injury to foot Core Activity: Welding services or ornamental metal installation Location: Lower Mainland Date of Incident: 2016-Apr ID Number: 2016163270011 A rough-terrain lift truck was moving a load of steel when it ran over the foot of a worker who was guiding it. Injury Type: Fractures to arms Core Activity: Steep…
Read MorePermanent Disability Evaluation Schedule 2016 Review
At their meeting on March 31, 2016, WorkSafeBCs governing body, the Board of Directors, approved the release of this discussion paper on the Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule (PDES) with options and draft policies to stakeholders for comment. The PDES is a guide set out in policy to assist in the calculation of permanent disability awards…
Read MoreIndustry Voices: A closer look at OHS policy changes by WorkSafeBC
Journal of Commerce | by DAVE BASPALY | Apr 27, 2016 A number of changes have been made by WorkSafeBC to its policies with respect to OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) penalties. These policies have a potential financial impact on all employers and this column is focused on an overview of the…
Read MoreDr. Lstiburek Building Better Buildings Seminar ~ May 10th
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 | 8 AM – 5 PM Anvil Centre – Ballroom | 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster *Earn 7.5 HPO CPD Points in One Day!* The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA), in partnership with presenting sponsor FortisBC, patron sponsor the Homeowner Protection Office, Branch of BC Housing, and Education Supporters BC…
Read MorePacific Region Security Clearance Workshops
On behalf of Public Works and Government Services Canada: Are you interested in supplying or subcontracting with the federal government? Have you had issues obtaining an appropriate security clearance? You’re invited to attend a free Security Clearance information session hosted by The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Canadian Industrial Security Directorate. These sessions…
Read MoreMobile crane failures: Why maintenance and inspections are critical
A new slideshow was just released on the WorkSafe BC website. Mobile crane failures: Why maintenance and inspections are critical Watch here This slideshow describes two mobile crane failure incidents that resulted due to inadequate inspection and maintenance. One of the incidents resulted in the injury of two workers and a fatality. The description of the…
Read MoreDay of Mourning – April 28, 2016
On April 28, 2016, WorkSafeBC, the BC Federation of Labour, and the Business Council of British Columbia will co-host an annual Day of Mourning ceremony in downtown Vancouver at Jack Poole Plaza. Day of Mourning ceremonies have been held across the country ever since the Canadian Labour Congress initiated a national Day of Mourning ceremony…
Read MoreProposed Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Regarding Joint Committees
At their meeting on March 31, 2016, WorkSafeBCs governing body, the Board of Directors, approved the release of a discussion paper for consultation. The topic of the discussion paper is the proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation resulting from Bill 35 and the Coroners Recommendations from the Lakeland Inquest. All feedback regarding…
Read More2016 Construction Leadership Forum – May 6-7
The Vancouver Regional Construction Association is thrilled to present the 2016 Construction Leadership Forum at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler on May 6-7. Designed specifically for middle managers, the conference will address current issues, trends, best practices and equip delegates with tools to become well-rounded, effective industry leaders. Featuring Keynote Speaker, David Chilton, former “Dragon” on…
Read MorePressure mounts on Ottawa to join wide ban on asbestos
TAVIA GRANT | The Globe and Mail | Published Sunday, Mar. 27, 2016 9:44PM EDT Dozens of groups are pressing Ottawa to join more than 50 countries in banning asbestos, a move the Liberal Party supported while in opposition. A letter sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this month notes that Canada still…
Read MoreWorkSafeBC appeals asbestos contempt ruling
Journal of Commerce by RUSSELL HIXSON | Mar 28, 2016 WorkSafeBC has appealed a court ruling that rejected a contempt of court case against an asbestos testing company because an order to follow safety legislation and regulations was broad and too voluminous. After WorkSafeBC got a 2012 court order requiring Mike Singh and Shawn…
Read MoreRecent Work-Related Incidents Reported to WorkSafeBC ~ March 2016
Injury Type: Bruising to arm and back Core Activity: House or other wood frame contracting, construction, or renovation work Location: Interior B.C. Date of Incident: 2016-Mar ID Number: 2016163800005 A young worker was installing trusses while on a work platform. An unsecured truss fell towards the worker, and the worker fell 8.75 feet from the…
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