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WorkSafeBC

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High-resolution publications

Attention printers

  • Files for each publication have been combined to include covers as well as body text
  • You may need to print breakout documents separately
  • Blank pages have been included for double-sided printing
  • Left-hand pages are even-numbered
  • Right-hand pages are odd-numbered
  • Pages with varying orientation and different sizes are included in the same file

Blasting | Commercial Fishing | Confined Space Entry | Construction | Ergonomics | Forestry | General Information | Health Care | Hearing Loss Prevention | Hygiene | Manufacturing | Oil and Gas | Small Business | WHMIS | Young and New Workers | Translated publications


Blasting



Title: Blasters' Log Book Forms
Publication#: N/A
Description: Form
  (PDF 65kb)
   

Commercial Fishing



Title: Marine Quick Reference Guide
Publication#: N/A
Description: A reference chart for commercial fishing safety standards and emergency medical aid.
  (PDF 3.5mb)
   

Confined Space Entry



Title: Confined Space Entry Program: A Reference Manual
Publication#: BK84
Description: This book describes measures used to control hazards in confined spaces. It is written for employers, owners, managers, supervisors, and joint committees in workplaces where there are confined spaces. It can be used as a reference to develop your confined space entry program and to assist you with meeting the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. This book also will be helpful to workers who may need to enter a confined space.
  (PDF 4.8mb)
   
Title: Hazards of Confined Spaces
Publication#: BK80
Description:

This book describes the main types of hazards found in confined spaces. Confined spaces may contain hazardous atmospheres, including insufficient oxygen, toxic (poisonous) air, or an explosive atmosphere.

  (PDF 1.50mb)
   
Title:
Publication#: BK81, BK82, BK83
Description: These books provide examples of hazards of confined spaces that workers may find in the shipping and transportation industry, food and beverage industry, municipalities and the construction industry and one for industries that do not fit into these categories.
  (BK81 PDF 1.3mb) (BK82 PDF 1.3mb) (BK83 1.3mb)
   

 

Construction

Title: An Introduction to Personal Fall Protection Equipment
Publication#: BK60
Description: This booklet is an introduction to the proper use of personal fall protection equipment. This booklet outlines the safe use and limitations of personal fall protection equipment, including safety belts, harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines.
  (PDF 1.5mb)
   
Title: Asbestos Hazards in Demolition, Renovation, and Salvage
Publication#: WS0303
Description: Poster
  (PDF 2.59mb)
   
Title: Asbestos Hazards in Demolition, Renovation, and Salvage [Chinese]
Publication#: WS0303
Description: Poster
  (PDF 2.73mb)
   
Title: Asbestos Hazards in Demolition, Renovation, and Salvage [Punjabi]
Publication#: WS0303
Description: Poster
  (PDF 2.57mb)
   
Title: Asbestos Pamphlet
Publication#: PH71
Description: Pamphlet regarding asbestos
  (PDF 5mb)
   
Title: Construction Safety Series
Publication#: CSS1
Description: This twelve-page booklet describes and illustrates safe ladder use and shows when and how to use fall protection systems.
  (PDF 10.3mb)
   
Title: Flat Roofing
Publication#: BK65
Description: This booklet is written to help workers and employers in the roofing industry prevent occupational injuries and disease. It supports and supplements regulations and equipment manufacturers’ requirements by detailing general safe work practices and procedures specific to flat roofing.
  (PDF 19.8mb)
   
Title: Prevention of Damage to Buried Facilities in British Columbia
Publication#: BK90
Description: This publication will help workers, employers, contractors, consultants, and owners be aware of the potential hazards, legislated requirements, and best practices associated with ground disturbances in the vicinity of buried facilities.
  (PDF 4.32mb)
   
Title: Renovating or Building Your Home? You may need to register with the WCB
Publication#: N/A
Description: Poster
  (PDF 327kb)
   
Title: Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
Publication#: BK27
Description: This booklet describes the safe methods of handling all types of asbestos-containing materials. It discusses suitable work procedures for the removal, enclosure, and encapsulation of friable asbestos materials.
  (PDF 5.4mb)
   
Title: Safe Work Practices for House Construction
Publication#: BK48
Description: This manual was developed for house builders, framers, scaffold users, various trades, and homeowners. It provides general information on the safety requirements for the various phases of house construction and focuses on key areas where the risk of injury can be reduced. A revised edition of Residential Home Construction.
  (PDF 42mb)
   
Title: Sloping and Timber Shoring
Publication#: BK43
Description: This manual describes methods for sloping and timber shoring, including pre-excavation requirements, information on site inspections, and general sloping or shoring requirements.
  (PDF 6.14mb)
   

Ergonomics

Title: How to Make Your Computer Workstation Fit You
Publication#: BK76
Description: This guide contains basic information on how to identify and solve problems with computer workstations and is intended primarily as a self-help guide for workers. The guide includes recommendations for layout and lighting, good posture, and organization of the work day and space to reduce the likelihood of injury. It also provides a checklist for assessing your computer workstation, as well as desk exercises to reduce muscle and eye strain.
  (PDF 3.8mb)
   
Title: Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI): A Guide for Employers and Joint Committees
Publication#: BK77
Description: This book provides guidance to help employers and joint committees prevent MSI in the workplace. It discusses a seven-step prevention process: consultation, education, risk identification, risk assessment, risk control, training, and evaluation. The book also includes a table of some common risk control options and a chart that can be used to investigate MSIs.
  (PDF 5mb)
   
Title: Understanding the Risks of Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI): An Educational Guide for Workers on Sprains, Strains, and Other MSIs
Publication#: BK78
Description: This book is an educational guide to help workers and employers recognize the signs and symptoms of MSI and understand the potential health effects of these injuries. It also helps employers and workers to identify the factors that place workers at risk for MSI, such as force, repetition, work posture, and local contact stress.
  (PDF 2.9mb)
   
Title:

Worksheet “A” MSI Risk Factor Identification (PDF 61kb)
Worksheet “B” MSI Risk Factor Assessment (PDF 894kb)

Publication#: N/A
Description: WorkSafeBC has produced several risk assessment tools to help identify and assess risk of MSI. These worksheets can be used to score the level of risk to workers.
 

WorkSafeBC also issues risk factor guidance sheets that employers may wish to consider when doing their assessment. Currently, guidance sheets are available on the following topics:

  • Cold Temperatures
    Use this guidance sheet with Worksheets A and B to identify and assess the risks of MSI due to cold temperatures.
  • Local Contact Stresses
    Use this guidance sheet with Worksheets A and B to identify and assess the risk of MSI due to local contact stresses.
  • Tools for Ergonomic Assessments
    This guidance sheet describes two tools -- dynamometers and goniometers - commonly used in research and in the field.
  • Pushing/Pulling/Carrying
    This guidance sheet can be used to identify and assess the risks of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) associated with pushing, pulling, and carrying forces. 
   

Forestry



Title: Cable Yarding Systems Handbook
Publication#: BK49
Description: A comprehensive reference handbook for cable log-harvesting systems used in B.C. The safe work procedures detailed in this handbook are applicable to both coastal and interior logging operations.
  (PDF 103mb)
   
Title: Grapple Yarder and Supersnorkel Handbook
Publication#: BK59
Description: A comprehensive instruction guide for this important mechanized segment of the logging industry.
  (PDF 159mb)
   
Title: Preventing Tree Planting Injuries
Publication#: BK73
Description: This booklet provides information on ways to prevent tree planting injuries by using good planting techniques, maintaining good physical fitness, and choosing an appropriate shovel.
  (PDF 3mb) Also available in French
   
Title: Safe Work Practices for Helicopter Operations in the Forest Industry
Publication#: BK13
Description: A comprehensive guide to proper planning of helicopter logging and related operations. This booklet can help employers, supervisors, and workers develop safe work procedures. It includes general helicopter logging safety, cedar block flying, and selective logging by helicopter. Descriptive graphics include hand signals and ground-to-air recognition patterns.
  (PDF 23mb)
   
Title: Western Red Cedar Asthma
Publication#: PH51
Description: A pamphlet that explains what occupational asthma is. This pamphlet also explains the symptoms of red cedar asthma, how it is diagnosed, how it is treated, who is susceptible to it, and how it can be prevented.
  (PDF 2mb)
   

General Information



Title: Effective Health and Safety Programs (Due Diligence)
Publication#: PH33
Description: Using a question-and-answer format,this pamphlet:
  • Defines due diligence
  • Describes how WorkSafeBC applies due diligence
  • Explains how WorkSafeBC assesses compliance with requirements
  • Identifies the elements of an OHS program
  • Explains how OHS programs help establish due diligence
  (PDF 514kb)
   
Title: First Aid Notice
Publication#: PL8
Description: This notice offers employers assistance in meeting two requirements of Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation: the authority of the first aid attendant over the treatment of injured workers, and the responsibility of the employer to report injuries. This notice is to be posted by the employer in a conspicuous place.
  (PDF 59kb)
   
Title: How to Implement a Formal Occupational Health and Safety Program
Publication#: BK14
Description: This booklet is a complete revision of the old BK 14 How to Implement an Effective Occupational Health and Safety Program. This revision will help employers, workers, and joint health and safety committees develop and maintain an effective occupational health and safety (OHS) program.
  (PDF 542kb)
   
Title: Industrial Lasers Can Cause Serious Eye Injuries and Severe Burns
Publication#: WS 06-07
Description: With the introduction of new laser technology into industrial settings, workers are in danger of receiving serious eye injuries or burns from improperly guarded equipment.
  (PDF 1.57mb)
   
Title: Lockout
Publication#: BK21
Description: This booklet explains the requirements of WorkSafeBC for
De-energization and lockout. It discusses:
• The importance of locking out machinery and equipment
• The dangers of hazardous energy
• When lockout is required
• Basic and group lockout procedures
• Employer and worker responsibilities for safe lockout
  (PDF 8.2mb)
   
Title: Preventing Heat Stress at Work
Publication#: BK30
Description: This booklet provides a basic overview of job-related heat stress, how to recognize and treat heat stress, and how to prevent heat stress. Workers exposed to hot environments must be trained to prevent heat stress and recognize the early symptoms in themselves and co-workers. The newly revised publication Heat Stress contains essential information on how to recognize, treat, and prevent heat stress.
  (PDF 3.5mb)
   
Title: Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
Publication#: BK27
Description: This booklet describes the safe methods of handling all types of asbestos-containing materials. It discusses suitable work procedures for the removal, enclosure, and encapsulation of friable asbestos materials.
  (PDF 5.4mb)
   
Title: Safety on the Job is Everyone's Business: The Responsibilities of Employers, Supervisors, and Workers
Publication#: PH39
Description: All new workers need training in equipment use and safe work procedures. This pamphlet covers the basics in training new workers. Employer, supervisor, and worker responsibilities for developing and maintaining a safe workplace are outlined.
  (PDF 126kb)
   
Title: Take Care: How to Develop and Implement a Workplace Violence Prevention Program
Publication#: BK41
Description: This guide enables employers and workers to implement a program to prevent violence in the workplace. It summarizes the relevant sections of the Regulation that deal with violence in the workplace, explains how to conduct a risk assessment, identifies the basic elements of a violence prevention program, and provides safe travel tips and sample documents.
  (PDF 4.6mb)
   
Title: Working Safely Around Electricity
Publication#: BK19
Description: This booklet explains the dangers of working around and on energized low-voltage equipment and near high-voltage conductors. It is written for supervisors and workers who work around and with electrical equipment and near power lines as part of their job and who are familiar with the basic hazards of electrical contact.
  (PDF 4.0mb)
   

Health Care

Title: Dealing with "Latex Allergies" at Work
Publication#: BK2
Description: Provides information on patient moving and handling techniques that present higher risks of musculoskeletal injury (MSI) to healthcare workers. Information on safer patient-handling strategies is also reviewed.
  (PDF 1.73mb)
   
Title: Handle with Care: Patient Handling and the Application of Ergonomics (MSI) Requirements
Publication#: BK79
Description: This 111-page publication discusses how to implement a "no-lift" approach to patient handling in the health care sector.
  (PDF 4.8mb)
   
Title: High-Risk Manual Handling of Patients in Healthcare
Publication#: BK97
Description: Provides information on patient moving and handling techniques that present higher risks of musculoskeletal injury (MSI) to healthcare workers. Information on safer patient-handling strategies is also reviewed.
  (PDF 12.86mb)
   
Title: HIV / AIDS, and Hepatitis B and C: Preventing exposure at work
Publication#: BK38
Description: This book explains how HIV and the hepatitis B and C viruses are — and are not — spread, describes their health effects, and provides information on the basic precautions that should be taken if harmful contact with infected blood and body fluids occurs.
  (PDF 2.6mb)
   
Title: Home and Community Health Worker Handbook
Publication#: BK104
Description:

Handbook for workers in the field of home and community health care. It will help you:

  • Identify the types of activities that put you at risk of injury and illness
  • Prevent injuries and illnesses
  • Know what to do if you are hurt or ill
  • Know your workplace rights and responsibilities
  • Know where to find more information
  (PDF 2.64mb)
   
Title: Patient Handling in Small Facilities: A Companion Guide to Handle with Care
Publication#: BK100
Description: This handbook is intended for employers, managers, and workers of small facilities within the health care sector in British Columbia. It illustrates how small facilities within the health care sector can apply WorkSafeBC’s Ergonomics (MSI) Requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to their individual facility. It will guide you through the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling the risks of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) for patient handling.
  (PDF 2.2mb)
   
Title: Preventing Violence in Health Care: Five steps to an effective program
Publication#: BK34
Description: WorkSafeBC has created this handbook to assist health care organizations to develop, implement, and review violence prevention programs and to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
  (PDF 18mb)
   
Title: Transfer Assist Devices for Safer Handling of Patients
Publication#: BK103
Description: Health care professionals can use this guide as a resource for evaluating and selecting appropriate transfer assist devices for use in their care environment.
  (PDF 12.58mb)
   

Hearing Loss Prevention



Title: Don't put it on the bench...put it on your ears!
Publication#: 0601
Description: Hearing Loss Prevention poster
  (PDF 3.76mb)
   
Title: Hear for Good: Preventing Exposure at Work
Publication#: PH9
Description: This pamphlet provides basic information on hearing protection for workers.
  (PDF 1.1mb)
   
Title: So you think hearing protection is boring...think again
Publication#: 0602
Description: Hearing Loss Prevention poster
  (PDF 4.6mb)
   
Title: Sound Advice
Publication#: BK12
Description: This is a guide to hearing conservation programs and includes the essential requirements for employers and workers.
  (PDF 3.61mb)
   
Title: Testing Your Hearing: How and Why
Publication#: PH18
Description: This pamphlet outlines information on testing hearing, including why testing should be done, who does the testing, how the testing is done, why a medical history is needed, and what is done with the test results.
  (PDF 606kb)
   

Hygiene



Title: A Hantavirus Exposure Control Program for Employers and Workers
Publication#: BK74
Description: This booklet is intended for employers and workers who may come into contact with rodents, or rodent droppings, while on the job. It contains guidelines for employers on preventing hantavirus infections and putting in place an exposure control program (ECP) to minimize potential worker exposure to rodents, or rodent droppings, contaminated with hantavirus. It also contains sample work procedures that employers can adapt to their specific work situations.
  (PDF 1.02mb)
   
Title: Ammonia in Refrigeration Systems
Publication#: BK1
Description: This manual is mainly for two groups: employers whose business includes the use of ammonia as a refrigerant (in ice rinks or ice-manufacturing plants, for example), and workers who work with or around ammonia, including those who repair or maintain ammonia systems.
  (PDF 3.92mb)
   
Title: Chlorine Safe Work Practices
Publication#: BK28
Description: This manual is for employers whose businesses include the use of chlorine gas for water or sewage treatment and workers who work with or around chlorine gas, including those who repair or maintain chlorine systems. It provides information on working safely around chlorine. There is also information for engineers on the building design of facilities where chlorine is to be used or stored.
  (PDF 4.61mb)
   
Title: Indoor Air Quality
Publication#: BK89
Description: This new guide will help owners, managers, operators, building occupants, labour unions, engineers, environmental consultants, and suppliers maintain good indoor air quality, prevent indoor air quality problems, and correct problems that may arise. It also provides information on indoor air quality requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
  (PDF 2.5mb)
   
Title: Lead: Preventing Exposure at Work
Publication#: BK17
Description: This booklet explains lead exposure, its health effects, and ways to prevent it.
  (PDF 3.7mb)
   
Title: Ozone Safe Work Practices
Publication#: BK47
Description: This manual is mainly for two groups: companies or employers who generate and use ozone to oxidize contaminants or to disinfect water used by the public; and workers who work with or around ozone systems, including those who repair or maintain ozone systems. Companies and employers will find information on what they need to do to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and to ensure a safe environment for workers. Workers will find information that will help them work safely around ozone systems. Companies or employers whose business includes the use of ozone for purposes other than water treatment (for example, in medical treatment) will also find this manual useful.
  (PDF 7.6mb)
   
Title: Safe Work Practices for Asbestos Laboratories new
Publication#: BK114
Description: This manual is intended for asbestos laboratories and laboratory analysts, including field analysts, who examine building products, other materials (brake pads, clutch pads, furniture, etc.), and air samples for the presence of asbestos.
  (PDF 446kb)
   
Title: Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
Publication#: BK27
Description: This booklet describes the safe methods of handling all types of asbestos-containing materials. It discusses suitable work procedures for the removal, enclosure, and encapsulation of friable asbestos materials.
  (PDF 5.4mb)
   

Manufacturing



Title: Safeguarding Equipment and Machinery: General Requirements
Publication#: BK101
Description: This manual is for everyone who owns, operates, maintains, or sells powered machinery and equipment. Employers will find information to help them comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) and Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act. It will also help them exercise due diligence in providing a safe work environment. Supervisors will find information to help them assess the risks to their workers from harmful contact with machinery and equipment. Workers will gain greater awareness of the hazards associated with equipment operation and maintenance and of the safeguarding protection they have a right to expect. Suppliers will understand what they must do to provide machinery and equipment that conform to the Workers Compensation Act and the OHSR.
  (PDF 4.60mb)
   

Oil and Gas



Title: Handbook for Employers: Working Alone, Late Night Retail, and Prepayment of Fuel new
Publication#: BK116
Description: This handbook overviews working alone, fuel prepayment, and late night retail premises requirements, and provides employers with useful forms for their workplaces. Late night retail premises include convenience stores, gas stations, and other retail stores that sell goods directly to consumers. Also included as retail premises are take-out restaurants and liquor off sales. Full service restaurants, and bars with no liquor off sales outlet are not included under the late night retail premises requirements.
  (PDF 2.0mb)
   

Small Business



Kitchen posters
Title: Bend your knees to lift and ask for help.
Publication#: 0205
  (PDF 4.7mb)
   
Title: Clean up spills and keep floors clean. Wear proper footwear.
Publication#: 0204
  (PDF 3.9mb)
   
Title: Cleaners can burn too. Read the label and know the dangers.
Publication#: 0203
  (PDF 5.1mb)
   
Title: Don't defeat the safeguards.
Publication#: 0205
  (PDF 6.4mb)
   
Title: Get help and use oven mitts.
Publication#: 0201
  (PDF 5.2mb)
   
Title: Save your fingers. Use the guards.
Publication#: 0202
  (PDF 5.4mb)
   
Warehouse posters
Title: A quick way off can slow you down.
Publication#: n/a
  (PDF 4.6mb)
   
Title: Don't let someone else take the fall.
Publication#: n/a
  (PDF 1.2mb)
   
Title: Don't reach for that box.
Publication#: n/a
  (PDF 5.3mb)
   
Title: Don't stop there!
Publication#: n/a
  (PDF 3.6mb)
   
Title: Don't try to lift items under shelves.
Publication#: n/a
  (PDF 3.8mb)
   
Title: That's no way to lift!
Publication#: n/a
  (PDF 5mb)
   
Title: What goes up must come down.
Publication#: n/a
  (PDF 4.1mb)
   

WHMIS



Title: WHMIS at Work
Publication#: BK40
Description: This booklet explains the basics of WHMIS and
answers some commonly asked questions about WHMIS.
  (PDF 6mb)
   
Title: WHMIS Core Material: A resource manual for the application and implementation of WHMIS
Publication#: RR20
Description: A reference source for those who must interpret and apply the requirements of WHMIS. Suppliers and manufacturers of controlled products, employers, industrial hygienists, and health and safety committees are covered.
  (PDF 19.6mb)
   
Title: WHMIS Instructor's Manual
Publication#: RR7
Description: The WHMIS Instructor's Manual is designed to assist you in delivering WHMIS education and training. It includes a prepared lesson plan with modules covering the basic elements of WHMIS, a step-by-step guide on how to implement the program while integrating workplace information into your presentation.
  (PDF 4.2mb)
   
Title: WHMIS Participant Workbook
Publication#: RR6
Description: This workbook is an overview of the key component of WHMIS that include classification, labels, and material safety data sheets. Participants are encouraged to review the exercises and use specific workplace examples for a better understanding of the WHMIS program.
  (PDF 3.9mb)
   
Title: WHMIS: The Basics
Publication#: BK61
Description:

This publication provides an overview of the basic components of WHMIS: classification, labels, and material safety data sheets. Modelled on the WHMIS Participant Workbook, this stand-alone, easy-to-read resource also provides review exercises and answer keys for self-assessment.

  (PDF 3.3mb)
   

Young and New Workers



Title: Be a Survivor magazine
Order#: n/a
Description: This full colour 8-page magazine features useful tips and articles on young worker safety. It's a great resource for youth and anyone who comes into contact with youth such as parents, educators, employers, labour and community groups.
  (PDF 10.8mb)
   
Title: Community WorkSafe, including Completion Test and Certificate of Completion
Publication#: n/a
Description: Designed for use by community and youth organizations, the resource focuses on principles of hazard recognition in the workplace, helping learners of all ages develop skills they need to recognize, evaluate and control hazards. With this type of training, they can make informed choices about the prevention of injury to themselves and other in the workplace.
  (PDF 65mb)
   
Title: Joe Who?
Publication#: N/A
Description:

This teacher guide, which was developed to support use of the video Joe Who? in B.C. classrooms, includes a series of snapshot activities and four fully developed lesson plans, each designed to correspond to prescribed learning outcomes from provincially prescribed drama curriculum:

  • Drama 10
  • Film and Television 11
  • Theatre Performance 11: Acting
  • Theatre Performance 12: Directing and Script Development

These activities can be used for teaching workplace health and safety concepts in drama classes.

  (PDF 4.16mb)
   
Title: Parent Brochure: Is your child safe at work?
Publication#: n/a
Description: This brochure was developed in partnership with B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) parent representatives to provide parents with useful tips on keeping young workers safe on the job.
  (PDF 957kb)
   
Title: Student WorkSafe Planning 10, including Completion Test and Certificate of Completion
Publication#: RR6
Description: Student WorkSafe has been significantly revised to directly address the new Planning 10 curriculum. Relevant materials from the old Student WorkSafe 10, 11, and 12 have been combined to address the Ministry of Education's new policy on Work Experience Requirements for Graduation and Workplace Safety.
  (PDF 65mb)
   
Title: The Supervisor Video Discussion Guide
Publication#: BK85
Description: This guide contain video viewing strategies and support materials designed to help viewers learn more about a supervisor's responsibility for health and safety in the work­place.
  (PDF 901kb)
   
Title: 3 Steps to Effective Worker Education and Training Revised publication
Publication#: BK42
Description: Designed for employers and supervisors, this guide offers a three-step framework based on orientation, education, and training new and young workers to be safe on the job. It has been revised to reflect the Amendments to Part 3 of the OHS Regulation - Orientation and Training of Young and New Workers.
  (PDF 4.6mb)
   

 

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