In British Columbia, employers must ensure workers are instructed in fall protection systems and procedures before they enter areas where there is a risk of falling. [1]
Also, employers in British Columbia must post a notice telling workers where a copy of the Workers Compensation Act and the regulations are available for review. They must also post the names and work locations of the joint committee members, the reports of the three most recent committee meetings, and copies of any applicable orders for the preceding 12 months, along with any information the OHS provisions, the regulations, or orders requires to be posted and an occupational health and safety information summary from the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB). [2]
Additionally, WorkSafeBC can answer questions about workplace health and safety, worker and employer responsibilities, and reporting a workplace accident or incident. [5]
Furthermore, the employer must notify the Board immediately of any occurrence that resulted in serious injury to or the death of a worker. [6]
In construction, excavation, and demolition operations, the employer must ensure that a person can operate a concrete pump or placing boom in a competent and safe manner, taking into account the class or type of concrete pump or placing boom being operated, and the circumstances of the workplace. [3]
On and after January 1, 2024, a person must not operate a concrete pump or placing boom at a workplace unless the person holds a valid concrete pump operator's certificate, issued by the certification authority, for the class or type of concrete pump or placing boom being operated and operates the concrete pump or placing boom in accordance with any conditions set out on the certificate, or operates the concrete pump or placing boom under the supervision of a person who holds a valid concrete pump operator's certificate for the class or type of concrete pump or placing boom being operated, and in accordance with the directions of the certificate holder. [4]
If it is not practicable to provide safe access to a work platform on a chimney or similar structure using stairs or other means acceptable under the BC Building Code or this Regulation, a chimney hoist meeting the requirements of WorkSafeBC Standard 14.116 - Chimney Hoists, set out in Schedule 14-A, may be used to provide access for any person. Before a chimney hoist is used, a professional engineer must certify that the chimney hoist is safe for use, and the installation of the hoist complies with the design criteria for that installation, the hoist manufacturer's specifications, the requirements of WorkSafeBC Standard 14.116 - Chimney Hoists, set out in Schedule 14-A, and the requirements of this Regulation. [7]
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.