WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors make policy and regulation decisions that affect the workers and employers of British Columbia. For example, the decisions can affect the assessment rates an employer pays, or the level of benefits a worker receives. Policy and regulation decisions made by WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors at their October 2014 meeting include:
Repealing Changes to Assessment Policy on the Treatment of Dividends Paid to Principals
In December 2013, the Board of Directors approved revisions to policy in the Assessment Manual that would exclude dividends paid to principals from assessable payroll, effective January 1, 2015.
As an implication of this change, the Policy, Regulation and Research Division (“PRRD”) released a discussion paper for consultation on the compensation of principals, which considered whether compensation policy should be revised to exclude dividends from average earnings to mirror the upcoming change to assessment policy.
During this consultation, stakeholders raised concerns about both the proposed change to compensation policy and the upcoming change to assessment policy. Stakeholders also indicated support for rescinding the decision to exclude dividends from assessable payroll in January 2015, in order to allow more time to further study and consult on how dividends paid to principals should be treated for assessment and compensation purposes.
At their October 23, 2014 meeting, the Board of Directors rescinded the December 2013 changes to assessment policy and directed that this issue be retained on the PRRD’s Workplan. The PRRD will be seeking further input from stakeholders on this issue in assessment and compensation policy.
You may view the complete resolution here (PDF 90kb).
Board of Directors approves amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
At its October 2014 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. These amendments will become effective on February 1, 2015.
- Part 4, General Conditions – relating to avalanche risk assessments and safety plans;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 4, General Conditions – relating to updating the reference to the BC Fire Code;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 5, Chemical Agents and Biological Agents – relating to updating Repealed Acts;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 12, Tools, Machinery and Equipment – relating to new sections for roll-on/roll-off containers;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 13, Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms – relating to updating the reference to CSA Standard Z271 (Summary of key differences between CSA Z271-98 and CSA Z271-10 standards referenced in Section 13.32 included.);
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 13, Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms – relating to the safe positioning of ladders;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 20, Construction, Excavation and Demolition – relating to requiring inspection of a gang form when there is a change to the design or erection method of the gang form;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 20, Construction, Excavation and Demolition – relating to clarifying the responsibilities of employers, owners and abatement contractors to ensure the safe containment or removal of hazardous materials;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 26, Forestry Operations and Similar Activities – relating to section 26.65, bullboards;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 28, Agriculture – relating to removing an obsolete provision;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes - Part 34, Rope Access – relating to ensuring that rope access equipment and use are addressed in the OHSR;
Approved amendments with explanatory notes
The above amendments were taken to public hearings in June 2014. Stakeholder feedback received during the public hearing process is available for review.