WorkSafeBC announces that the average base premium rate for 2016 will remain unchanged at $1.70 per $100 of employers’ assessable payroll. Lower claims costs, excess investment returns, a $55 million withdrawal from the Capital Adequacy Reserve, and the longstanding practice of capping of rate increases for industries at 20 percent have kept the average rate…
Read MorePrevent Bullying and Harassment in Construction
This video series highlights the character and pride of workers in construction, and shows the impact of bullying and harassment on workers in the industry. These videos were created in partnership with the BC Building Trades and Construction Labour Relations Association of BC.
Cost Relief for Certain Compensable Consequences
The Policy, Regulation and Research Division of WorkSafeBC would like to thank you all for your submissions on the “Cost Relief for Certain Compensable Consequences” policy proposals. The stakeholder feedback received by the Board of Directors informed its decision-making on the policy changes. Please click here for a summary of stakeholder comments. On May 27, 2015, the…
Read MoreEmployer Incident Investigation Reporting – Updates
WorkSafeBC has recently updated the form employers can use to record and submit incident investigation reports as well as the accompanying guide. Find the updated information HERE.
WorkSafeBC cracks down on home demos and renos over asbestos concerns
BY TIFFANY CRAWFORD, VANCOUVER SUN | JULY 14, 2015 VANCOUVER — Work safety officials say they are stepping up enforcement of home renovations in B.C. over concerns about asbestos after a high number of contractors were caught trying to cut corners last year. Starting this month, WorkSafeBC says prevention officers will be increasing inspections…
Read MoreReduced Duration in Construction
Our work with WorkSafeBC to improve early return to work outcomes and reduce duration is paying off. Construction – 12-Month Rolling STD Duration The reduction can be attributed to: Working together through the Construction Claims Action Committee that helped identify ‘drivers of duration’ and then acting on those areas. Introduction of programs from Point 1 findings…
Read MoreConsultation on proposed changes to OHS policies and regulations
The Board of Directors has approved consultation on proposed occupational health and safety (OHS) policy changes, and public hearings on proposed regulation changes. To review the discussion papers and proposed changes, and provide feedback, click on the links below. (For convenience, a link to the consultation on stop work orders that is already underway is…
Read MoreAsbestos: be aware enforcement initiative
Source: WorkSafeBC Initiatives for Construction From June 1 to December 31, 2015, WorkSafeBC prevention officers will conduct planned inspections of residential demolition and renovation worksites to ensure homeowners, prime contractors, hazardous material survey contractors, asbestos abatement contractors, and consultants are informed and equipped to safely remove asbestos containing materials and are complying with the Occupational…
Read MoreJoin WorkSafeBC’s Rate Consultation Sessions
An invitation from WorkSafeBC You, and your members, are invited to attend a session on WorkSafeBC’s insurance rates for 2016. This year we are hosting eight different sessions around the province. Please forward the invitation below to your members and/or post the information on your website. It is also attached as a pdf for…
Read MoreAsbestos exposure enforcement ramping up in B.C.
Source: Journal of Commerce ~ by RUSSELL HIXSON Jun 23, 2015 WorkSafeBC is stepping up enforcement of asbestos violations. “We are working to hold employers accountable to prevent further exposures to workers,” said Gary McComb, North Vancouver Regional Prevention Manager for WorkSafeBC. “Anyone that has been exposed to asbestos fibers is at risk of developing serious and potentially…
Read MoreApril to June 2015 ~ Work-related incidents reported to WorkSafeBC
Injury Type: Fatal Core Activity: Manual tree falling and bucking / Excavation, or private landfill or transfer station operation Location: Vancouver Island/Coastal B.C. Date of Incident: 2015-Jun ID Number: 2015161750050 A worker (arborist) was falling a hemlock tree and was moving away from the tree as it started to fall. The tree kicked back, striking and…
Read MoreMay 27, 2015 Policy Updates – Prevention Manual
The Prevention Manual contains policies of WorkSafeBC with respect to prevention matters under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Consequential policy amendments have been made to the Prevention Manual in response to changes to provisions in the Occupational Heath and Safety Regulation. The Prevention Manual (1 mb) is provided here…
Read MoreRegulatory Amendments – May 14, 2015
Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation made in May 14th, 2015 are noted below. The online Regulation and excerpts and summaries of the Act are updated once the amendments come into effect. Workers Compensation Act Part 1 Division 4 — Accident Fund and Assessments Section 46 Power to…
Read MoreConsultation on proposed changes to the Stop Work Orders Policy (D12-191-1)
The WorkSafeBC Board of Directors, at its May 2015 meeting, approved the release for consultation of a discussion paper and proposed changes to the policy regarding stop work orders. Please provide your feedback by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2015. The discussion paper, proposed policy changes, and information on how to provide feedback are available…
Read MoreB.C. works with industry to improve safety regulations
3 Jun 2015 | Journal of Commerce | RUSSELL HIXSON staff writer The Council of Construction Associations (COCA) of B.C., which initially had concerns about recently implemented changes to the Workers Compensation Act, is now applauding the province for working with industry to improve the regulations. COCA president Dave Baspaly said that while he was…
Read MoreIndustry Voices: Busting myths about worker claims
by DAVE BASPALY Journal of Commerce ~ Jun 2, 2015 The longer an injured worker stays off work, the higher your WorkSafeBC (WSBC) costs and the lower the chances that the worker will ever return to work. This column contains specific steps to assist with a safe, prompt return to work. Two myths first need to…
Read MoreCOCA’s Perspective on Legislative Changes (in effect from May 14, 2015)
Stop Work Orders The changes are aimed at irresponsive employers who have not acted to eliminate high risk situations. The more vigorous actions permitted by this legislation are reasonable. Incident Investigation There are two major changes in the legislation. First, the employer is required to undertake a preliminary investigation within 48 hours. This is reasonable…
Read MoreBill 9 Related Changes to Occupational Health and Safety (“OHS”) Policies
Bill 9 received Royal Assent on May 14 and contains a number of changes to Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act (Act). The goal of the changes is to improve workplace health and safety and strengthen the tools that WorkSafeBC uses to enforce the Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. To support the…
Read MoreWorkers Compensation Amendment Act, 2015 (Bill 9)
Bill 9 received Royal Assent on May 14 and contains a number of changes to Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act (the Act). The goal of the changes is to improve workplace health and safety and strengthen the tools that WorkSafeBC uses to enforce the Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Highlights…
Read MoreWorkSafe BC 2014 Annual Report and 2015–2017 Service Plan
The annual report provides an overview of WorkSafe BC’s performance results and financial highlights for 2014 and performance targets until 2017. 2014 Annual Report and Service Plan (PDF 5.2mb) 2014 Annual Report and Service Plan (Flip Book) Ten-year summary of consolidated financial statements (PDF 562kb) Statement of Changes in Rate Group Balances (PDF 31kb) Gain and…
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