Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | June 4, 2026 RICHMOND, B.C. — WorkSafeBC’s recently released 2025 Annual Report and 2026-2028 Service Plan reveals the organization continues to be in a strong financial position, adding it returned $564 million of surplus funds to employers in 2026. Here are some 2025 highlights: Between 2018 and 2026, an estimated $3.2…

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Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | June 1, 2026 VICTORIA – Raji Mangat, KC, was appointed a public-interest board member for a two-year term ending May 31 and will assume the role immediately. Mangat is a practising lawyer with more than 20 years experience in constitutional and administrative law, explains a release. She recently…

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Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | June 2, 2026 VICTORIA – BC Hydro and WorkSafeBC have released information that shows electrical incidents overwhelmingly affect workers outside the electrical trades. Data from WorkSafeBC states construction workers, window washers, painters, surveyors and crane and heavy equipment operators are at greater risk. From 2015 to 2025, approximately…

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Road Safety at Work | June 2, 2026 Road Safety at Work is encouraging employers to start preparing now for major traffic disruptions expected in Vancouver during international soccer activities in June and July. Employers with staff driving in or through downtown Vancouver may need to adjust schedules, rethink routes, and reduce unnecessary trips. Road…

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Classification change policy in the Assessment Manual lists the possible reasons for changing a firm’s classification. Under this policy, a firm’s failure to provide timely, complete, and accurate information to WorkSafeBC, and to respond promptly to information requests or information provided by WorkSafeBC (the positive duties), is addressed under the heading of fraud or misrepresentation. This creates…

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WorkSafeBC’s Policy, Regulation and Research Department is requesting feedback on proposed amendments to Part 20, Construction, Excavation and Demolition — Shotcrete, of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The consultation phase gives stakeholders an opportunity to share feedback before the proposed amendments are taken to public hearing. View the proposed regulatory amendments and information on how to…

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Driving may not be your core business but if any employee drives even once in a while on the job, you have legal responsibilities for their safety. This applies whether they drive to see a client or to pick up office supplies, even if they use their own vehicle. Road Safety at Work’s free Road…

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If you access WorkSafeBC information online, THIS IMPACTS YOU.  WorkSafeBC will be holding information sessions in early June to walk through the process for employers. These sessions will be SHORT (15-20 minutes) and will provide ample time to ask specific questions. They will be recorded and will be available for viewing. We will provide details…

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Journal of Commerce | Jean Sorensen | May 27, 2026 The federal and provincial governments are pouring mega-dollars into trades training, but the construction industry’s real need is to find ways to draw in the individuals who are crucial to building Canada’s growing need for infrastructure, say industry leaders. BC Construction Association president Chris Atchison wants…

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We have been hearing from members about contractors operating outside of basic health and safety expectations, particularly in the Okanagan. For example, there have been reports of unregistered businesses, after-hours and weekend activity, and crews that may not be following the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.  If you see something that doesn’t look right, you…

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Journal of Commerce | Jean Sorensen | May 20, 2026 Illegal construction plagues Canadian authorities and municipalities, especially those that are seeing rapid growth, with investigations largely triggered by residential complaints. New construction is heavily regulated through permits, but still, illegal builds slip by. It is the renovation sector, a $105-billion industry in Canada, where much…

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Journal of Commerce | Peter Caulfield | May 20, 2026 The Manitoba government recently announced that hot water will be required on large construction sites beginning April 1, 2027. In an announcement, Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino said, “Workers shouldn’t have to choose between doing their job and having access to basic hygiene. Hot water…

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Road Safety at Work | May 5, 2026 Survey shows a gap in knowledge of safety responsibilities, too As National Road Safety Week (May 12 to 18) approaches, new research shows many B.C. employers overlook one of the most common and dangerous workplace hazards: driving on the job. A recent survey by Road Safety at…

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May 15, 2026 Construction incident summaries are based on information obtained as soon as possible after the incidents: they are preliminary and subject to change. Details have been edited to protect workers’ privacy. See additional summaries online. Injury Type: Soft tissue injuries (1 worker) Core Activity: Excavation, or private landfill or transfer station operation Location: Lower Mainland Date of…

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Industry highlights progress while calling for clear, long-term direction Victoria, BC (April 30, 2026) — As Construction & Skilled Trades Month comes to a close, the BC Construction Association (BCCA) is taking the time to celebrate and reflect on the incredible progress our industry has made – and the future impact we have yet to make. With…

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The Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) supports a recent announcement by the Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) regarding the transition to CSA or ANSI-certified Type II helmets effective July 1, 2026. The CCSC is a national collaboration of leading construction organizations, and this requirement applies across CCSC member sites, including workers, trade partners,…

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Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | April 28, 2026 RICHMOND, B.C. — Today (April 28) workers, employers, families and communities across the country are observing the National Day of Mourning, which is a time to remember those who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to work-related incidents. WorkSafeBC is reporting its latest…

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Last year in B.C., 138 workers lost their lives due to workplace injury and illness.  Richmond, B.C. (April 27, 2026) — On April 28, WorkSafeBC joins workers, employers and communities across British Columbia to observe the National Day of Mourning, a time to remember those who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to work-related…

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Why Canada’s construction crane industry needs rigging harmonization now. Crane & Hoist Canada | March 12, 2026  | By Justin Brown Canada’s construction crane industry is operating in a regulatory environment that no longer reflects the complexity, pace, or scale of modern lifting. Our cranes have evolved. Our wire ropes and synthetic materials have advanced….

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Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | April 20, 2026 OTTAWA – New survey findings released by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) reveal contractors operating across provincial boundaries are facing significant costs due to non-harmonized safety certifications, training and verification requirements, not to mention unnecessary administration duties. The national survey, conducted in February,…

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