WorkSafeBC

Sitemap
Help

Provide feedback

Home › News Room › Campaigns › Flood risk and response in the workplace › FAQs ›

WorkSafeBC flood response — Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out if my workplace is located in a flood-risk area?

When floods occur, low-lying areas located along river systems are typically most at risk. Coastal communities can also be at risk when severe storms combine with seasonally high tides. For more information, read the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) document, Am I in a Risk Area?

What precautions can I take to prepare my workplace for a flood?

If you work around electricity, locate the main power switch and safely shut it off. When possible, move electrical appliances and machinery above potential flood levels. Shut off gas lines and propane tanks if possible. Never turn gas lines on by yourself. Instead, call a qualified professional. For more information, see Flood Risk & Personal Preparedness.

If there is a flood, what should I do?

Always follow the instructions of officials involved in rescue or flood response operations. Should flooding occur, officials will be assisting with the response effort, helping to ensure people are safe, and directing traffic as required. Be sure to keep disaster response routes clear.

What kind of things should I be concerned about if there’s a flood?

Here are some potential hazards and how you can be prepared should a flood occur:

Deep water — It’s difficult to gauge water depth, and levels can change quickly. If your vehicle or other machinery stalls in floodwater, get out and move to higher ground. Be aware of the risks of cold water immersion (link to pdf) and how to protect yourself.
Soil and water contamination — Chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and sewage are among the possible pollutants. During flood preparation, ensure garbage and other potential pollutants are securely contained and moved to higher ground. Put chemicals in waterproof containers above flood level. If you have knowledge about a serious spill or contamination, the Provincial Emergency Program recommends you report it by calling 1-800-663-3456. For information on cleaning up after a flood, read the guide, One Step at a Time to Flood Recovery.
Power lines — If lines are downed, maintain your distance. Contact your local utility company or police department to report downed lines.
Water-borne contaminants — Floodwaters carry mould, mildew, bacteria and other contaminants. Local health authorities will issue boil water advisories if necessary.

For more information, see the Personal Emergency Program’s information on Potential Flood Hazards and Personal Safety Precautions.

Will I be covered by WorkSafeBC if I’m injured while volunteering for emergency services work?

You will be covered as a volunteer under the B.C. Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) if you are:

Registered with PEP as an Emergency Services Worker
Working under the authority of PEP
Engaged in an authorized operational or training task

and

Not being paid for the emergency services work

Will I be covered by WorkSafeBC if I am injured and my employer had encouraged or allowed me to volunteer for emergency services work?

This depends on the situation. You will be covered if you meet the requirements as a volunteer with PEP. In other situations, WorkSafeBC will provide coverage if the injury arises out of and in the course of employment, or is due to the nature of employment.

Some of the factors that would be considered when determining whether a claim is compensable include:

Whether the injury occurred on the employer’s premises
Whether it occurred in the process of doing something for the benefit of the employer
Whether it occurred in the course of action taken in response to instructions from the employer
Whether it occurred while using equipment or materials supplied by the employer
Whether it occurred during paid work hours
Whether it was caused by an activity of the employer or a fellow worker
Whether it occurred while you were performing activities that are part of your regular job duties
Whether it occurred while you were being supervised by the employer
Whether the risk to which you were exposed was the same as the risk to which you would be exposed in the normal course of your job

These are just some factors that may be considered in making a decision. Depending on the specific circumstances, you may or may not be covered. Generally, your likelihood for compensation would increase when more of these factors are present in a situation.

Important note:

Paid emergency services workers, such as firefighters or police officers, are considered workers under the Workers Compensation Act. As such, their claims for any injuries arising out of their work would be adjudicated in the usual manner.

Where can I get more information?

Go to the Provincial Emergency Program web site for more information on flood preparedness and response.

For more information on how to protect workers and workplaces in the event of flooding, call the WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line at 604 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland, or toll-free at 1 888 621-7233.