WorkSafeBC’s Policy, Regulation and Research Department is requesting feedback on sections 4.107–4.109, Psychological Health and Safety, of the proposed new Part 4.1, Psychological Health and Safety, Harassment and Violence, 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….
Read MoreConsultation on Harassment and Violence in the proposed new Part 4.1 of the OHS Regulation
WorkSafeBC’s Policy, Regulation and Research Department is requesting feedback on sections 4.107 and 4.110–4.118, Harassment and Violence, of the proposed new Part 4.1, Psychological Health and Safety, Harassment and Violence, 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…
Read MoreAvoid unnecessary travel near wildfires, drivers urged
Road Safety at Work | August 10, 2026 If you have to go, have a safety plan, says Road Safety at Work Wildfires and the smoke they create can add to the dangers of driving, cautions Road Safety at Work. “Intense heat, smoke, and debris on the road can affect driving conditions,” says Trace Acres,…
Read MoreWorkSafeBC: Employers urged to review wildfire evacuation plans
Journal of Commerce| DCN-JOC News Services | August 12, 2026 RICHMOND, B.C. — As wildfires continue to rip through parts of B.C., causing massive damages, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to review their emergency evacuation plans and prepare for situations where workers may need to evacuate a workplace quickly. “Employers should understand the risks that may impact…
Read MoreBoard of Directors approves amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
WorkSafeBC | July 31, 2026 At its July 2026 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The amendments relate to Face Seal, Automotive Lifts, and Periodic Certification. Strikethrough versions of the amendments with explanatory notes can be accessed below. Deletions in the regulatory amendments are identified with a strikethrough and additions are in bold…
Read MoreAre your employees prepared for a driving emergency?
Road Safety at Work | July 23, 2026 If a work-related motor vehicle incident happens, the first few minutes afterwards are critical. Employers need to train employees on their policy and procedures for driving-related emergencies on the job. Driving can be the riskiest thing employees do at work, even if they only do it occasionally….
Read MoreHotel operator fined more than $620,000 for asbestos infractions
Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | July 23, 2026 WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. – Hotel operator Northland Properties Corporation was fined $624,051.48 by WorkSafeBC in May in relation to several asbestos and lead violations. According to a penalty notice, the firm was renovating one its locations in Williams Lake, B.C. When WorkSafeBC inspected the site…
Read MoreBuildStrong by CIRP Appoints Brooks Patterson as CEO
BuildStrong by CIRP has announced the appointment of Brooks Patterson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Brooks has an extensive background in the construction industry, health and wellness for over 30 years. He’s also served as a Trustee of BuildStrong by CIRP (formerly the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan) for over 24 years, and has held…
Read MoreICBA NEWS RELEASE: B.C.’s Economy Has Gone From Leader to Laggard
ICBA | July 21, 2026 SURREY – British Columbia’s economy has been disproportionately kept afloat by hefty government spending while its private sector stalls, its export base shrinks, and its once-enviable public finances deteriorate faster than any province in half a century, according to a major new economic report released today by the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association…
Read MoreNew Mental Health Workplace Materials for Trades and Industry
On behalf of the Ministry of Health | July 16, 2026 People working in trades and other industries across British Columbia can face unique challenges when it comes to mental health and substance use, including barriers to seeking support. Our communities continue to face a toxic and unpredictable drug supply, and workers in trades and…
Read MoreCCSC mandates Type 2 hard hats on member construction sites nationwide
By CaDCR Staff Writer | July 7, 2026 The Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) has introduced a new minimum standard for head protection, requiring Type 2 hard hats with integrated chin straps on all member construction sites across Canada. The requirement took effect July 1 and applies to all workers, subcontractors and visitors on projects operated…
Read MoreKelowna crane collapse victims, families have been failed by the system: IUOE Local 115
Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | July 15, 2026 KELOWNA, B.C. — The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 115 is demanding justice now after five years has passed since the Kelowna crane collapse tragedy and there’s still no movement on the case. On July 12, 2021, Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, Eric Stemmer,…
Read MoreWorkSafeBC rates to stay flat in 2027
Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | July 16, 2026 RICHMOND, B.C. — WorkSafeBC has announced the preliminary average base rate for 2027 will remain at $1.55 per $100 of assessable payroll. While it is still subject to final approval from the board of directors this fall, this will be the 10th consecutive year the…
Read MoreStoring Up Trouble: Financial Trends at WorkSafeBC
ICBA | Jock Finlayson | Updated on July 7, 2026 WorkSafeBC is the province’s occupational health and safety regulator as well as the main provider of compensation and other benefits to workers injured on the job. It is one of the most important government entities in the province. WorkSafe’s premiums and its decisions on workplace health and…
Read MoreAdding Trades Training Certification for BC Crane Operators
Government of BC News Release | Victoria | July 6, 2026 Summary __________ The Province is expanding skilled trades certification to tower and mobile crane operators to ensure consistent training and certification standards, improve crane safety and strengthen B.C.’s skilled trades workforce. “Today we’re delivering on our commitment to crane operators and worker safety in…
Read MoreBC Expands Skilled Trades Certification to Tower and Mobile Crane Operators
Crane & Hoist | July 7, 2026 British Columbia is expanding skilled trades certification to tower and mobile crane operators. The move, the province states, will ensure consistent training and certification standards, improve crane safety and strengthen the province’s skilled trades workforce. “Today we’re delivering on our commitment to crane operators and worker safety in…
Read MorePreparing for new OHS Requirements for Combustible Dusts
WorkSafeBC | Effective January 4, 2027 The WorkSafeBC Board of Directors has approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation relating to combustible dusts. These amendments strengthen protections for workers while providing clearer expectations for employers. The changes take effect January 4, 2027. We’re sharing information now to support early awareness and help employers, workers, and industry…
Read MoreBC Construction Association (BCCA) Calls on Province to Implement Prompt Payment Legislation Without Further Delay or Exemptions
BCCA | July 7, 2026 Submission led by the BCCA and backed by construction companies across the province urges government to finalize the Construction Prompt Payment Act regulations during this fiscal year. July 7, 2026 (Victoria, B.C.) — The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has released a formal submission in response to the provincial government’s Construction Prompt Payment…
Read MoreCanada, B.C. Struggling with a Choppy Economy
ICBA Advocacy Update | June 30, 2026 Key Points Mid-Year Economics Projections Where is the economy actually headed in the back half of 2026? ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson has just released our Mid-Year Update – and the short version is choppy waters: B.C. growth is set to slow to just 0.6% this year with net job…
Read MoreNSW workers’ compensation enters new era with dual guideline update
Insurance Business | By Roxanne Libatique | Jun 29, 2026 Tighter psychological injury thresholds are here – what changes for claimants? New South Wales has entered a new regulatory period for workers compensation, with two sets of updated guidelines taking effect on June 30 and July 1, 2026. SIRA released revised Workers Compensation Guidelines and 2026…
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