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A glossary of terms commonly used on WorkSafeBC.com.
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action level, ionizing radiation
An effective dose of 1 milliSievert (mSv) per year.
action level, non-ionizing radiation
Exposure limits for the general public listed in the codes
and standards identified in this Part, or if no public limit is specified in
an applicable standard, it means the maximum exposure limit for workers as specified
in the standard.
active falling area
The area within a two tree length radius of where a faller
or mechanized falling equipment is located and equipped so as to be able to
fall timber.
adjacent piping
A device such as a pipe, line, duct or conduit which is connected
to a confined space or is so located as to allow a substance from within the
device to enter the confined space.
adjacent to an excavation
Within a distance less than or equal to the overall depth
of the excavation, measured from a vertical line through the toe of the excavation
face.
administrative controls
The provision, use and scheduling of work activities and resources
in the workplace, including planning, organizing, staffing and coordinating,
for the purpose of controlling risk.
aerial device
A vehicle-mounted device having a boom which may be telescoping
or articulating, or both, with a work platform on the boom, which is used to
position personnel.
aerial ladder
A vehicle-mounted aerial device with a single or multiple-section
ladder with or without a platform at the top.
aerial ladder crane
A unit providing crane capability and aerial ladder capability
in one integral unit, which may be used for hoisting loads and for access or
as a working platform, and is commonly referred to as a sign truck.
ALARA
Refers to a substance, that measures must be taken to keep
a worker's exposure to a level as low as is reasonably achievable.
all-terrain cycle
A motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on 3 low
pressure tires, with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars
for steering.
all-terrain vehicle or ATV
A motorized off-highway vehicle, designed to travel on 4 or
more low pressure tires with or without tracks added, with a seat designed to
be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering.
altitude diving
Any dive performed over 300 m (1 000 ft) above sea level.
anchor
A secure point of attachment for a lifeline or lanyard.
annual reporter
An employer who is assessed on an annual basis and reports
assessable earnings and pays WCB premiums once a year. (As a general rule, annual
reporters have annual premiums of less than $1500 while quarterly reporters
have annual premiums of $1500 or more.)
antisapstain
Refers to a pesticide, means any substance which is applied
to freshly cut wood to control fungal growth.
apprentice utility arborist
A worker who is not yet a certified utility arborist but has
completed a course of instruction recognized by the certifying authority.
approved
As applied to electrical equipment, means that the equipment
meets the requirements of the Electrical Safety Act.
approved storage area
A storage area which meets the requirements of article 4.2.7.5
of the B.C. Fire Code.
approved storage cabinet
A flammable liquids storage cabinet which bears a UL or ULC
approval label for this purpose or which otherwise meets the requirements of
subsection 4.2.10 of the B.C. Fire Code.
approved storage room
A room for container storage which meets the requirements
of section 4.2.9 of the B.C. Fire Code.
as low as reasonably achievable or ALARA
Is in reference to a substance, that measures must be taken
to keep a worker's exposure to a level as low as is reasonably achievable.
asbestos-containing material
Any manufactured article or other material which contains
1% or more asbestos by weight at the time of manufacture, or which contains
1% or more asbestos as determined by WCB Method 0205 (dispersion staining, polarized
light microscope), x-ray diffraction or other analytical technique acceptable
to the board.
assessable payroll
Assessable payroll is the gross earnings of all full-time
and part-time workers, casual workers, unregistered labour contractors, and
shareholders in the firm, up to a maximum set for the year. These earnings include:
atmospheric diving system (ADS)
A diving system capable of withstanding external pressures
greater than atmospheric pressure, and in which the internal pressure remains
at one atmosphere, and includes a one person submarine and a one atmosphere
compartment of a diving submersible.
atmospheric pressure
Pressure at the surface of the water, normally considered
to be 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi).
attendant
A first aid attendant who is designated by an employer to
provide first aid to workers at a workplace, and who holds a first aid certificate
valid for that workplace.
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- wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, holiday pay, management fees, or any other remuneration paid to workers, contractors, and active shareholders before deductions
- amount of optional coverage for partners, proprietors, and proprietors' spouses during the assessment period
- earnings of a proprietor's or partner's children