BCCWITT May News and Events!

On behalf of BC Centre for Women in the Trades — BCCWITT is celebrating some exciting things coming up in the next few weeks, so we want to keep you in the loop! Did you know that BCCWITT is turning 5 years old next month!? To celebrate, we have a few upcoming contests and surprises. We…

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Industry Special: If you cut ceramic tiles, the BCCSA is looking for help in new lead-detection research

Journal of Commerce | ConstructConnect™ Media | May 25, 2023 This summer, the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) is launching a research program designed to reliably measure lead exposure resulting from the dust generated by cutting through ceramic tile glazes. Lead is no longer permitted in new paint and plumbing products, however, lead continues to be…

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Province of B.C. looks for building code input

Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | May 25, 2023 VICTORIA – The Government of British Columbia has launched a survey to take the pulse of the public regarding changes to the BC Building Code. Proposed changes to the code are based on the 2020 National Model Codes with some B.C.-specific variations to address geography,…

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Consultation on proposed amendments to Part 5 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

WorkSafeBC’s Policy, Regulation and Research Department is requesting feedback on proposed amendments to Part 5, Chemical Agents and Biological Agents, sections 5.97 to 5.105, 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…

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STC Trades Designation Process Now Open

On behalf of SkilledTradesBC: SkilledTradesBC has a new mandate to ensure British Columbia has the skilled workforce to meet the demand for 85,000 more tradespeople over the next ten years. Part of this mandate includes implementing Skilled Trades Certification which will continue to build a diversified and sustainable skilled labour force through certification.     On behalf…

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Recent work-related incidents reported to WorkSafeBC

May 3, 2023 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: Close call Core Activity: Structural concrete forming / Industrial, commercial, institutional or highrise residential contracting or construction Location: Lower Mainland…

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May 9th, 2023 virtual public hearing on proposed regulatory amendments

WorkSafeBC will be holding a virtual public hearing on proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The virtual public hearing will be streamed live on May 9, 2023, in two sessions. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second from 3 to 5 p.m. View the public hearing live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. View the public hearing live from…

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Fair Practices Commissioner Appointed

WorkSafeBC The WorkSafeBC Board of Directors has appointed Allan Seckel as WorkSafeBC’s first fair practices commissioner.   The commissioner role was introduced as part of Bill 41, which received Royal Assent in November 2022. His function will be to investigate complaints by employers, workers, and dependants of workers regarding alleged unfairness in their dealings with WorkSafeBC. The commissioner…

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Asbestos Certification and Licensing – WorkSafeBC Public Hearing and Public Consultation

Just a reminder that WorkSafeBC is holding: This consultation phase is an opportunity to provide feedback, which will be carefully reviewed, before the proposed amendments are finalized. Materials for the proposed amendments and policy item, as well as instructions on how to provide feedback and participate at the public hearing, can be viewed by clicking…

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Workplace Status Updated Webpage and Video

WorkSafeBC has an updated webpage and short video to draw attention to the updated workplace status policy. The content is intentionally very general. The primary intention is to ensure an employer who may have hired someone who was previously considered a “labour contractor” under the old policy (or a contractor who may have been told…

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NearZero2 Embodied Emissions Program – Accepting applications  

The NearZero2 program is a research program with generous compensation payments for Part 9 projects (single-family dwellings, townhouses, duplexes, etc.) located in the City of Vancouver. Participants who are able to reduce embodied emissions below the baseline of 200 kg CO2e/m2 will receive generous compensation (up to $40,000!) in exchange for sharing information and lessons…

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Mental Health Week – Taking toolbox talks further

DCN-JOC News Services | May 1, 2023 At the beginning of every May, Canadians participate in the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Mental Health Week. This year there is a focus on sharing our stories, which is part of the mental health care we all need. “Stories help build connections and strong communities. Storytelling, in all its…

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