Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on asbestos removal, on-site decontamination for firefighters, and understanding foot pain.

At its January 2019 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and consequential changes to Item R20.17-1 in the Prevention Manual.

On January 23, 2019, the Board of Directors approved new policy item #97.70, Surveillance, of the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II.

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation requires that WorkSafeBC be notified of certain types of projects before they begin. The form submitted is called a Notice of Project (NOP) and is currently available online and in print. To address employer feedback and aging technology, we’ve upgraded the Notice of Project online submission process. As of January 2019, all employers can access to the new form, which we will continue to enhance throughout 2019.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper with options on proposed policy amendments to policy item #2.20 to stakeholders for comment.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division has prepared a discussion paper on Housekeeping Amendments to the Prevention Manual (OHS Policies) for stakeholder review and comment.

On December 13, 2018, the Board of Directors approved amendments to Prevention Manual policies regarding Part 24: Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

In November 2018, we began assigning nine-digit WorkSafeBC employer account numbers to employers who open a new account with us. The nine-digit numbers for new employer accounts allow our system to accommodate more employers. If you’re an employer who already has an account with us, your six-digit account number will not be affected or changed.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division has prepared draft policy workplans for stakeholder review and comment. These workplans encompass proposed policy priorities relating to compensation, occupational disease, assessments and occupational health and safety.

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on safety inside a cannabis greenhouse, three steps for performing a risk assessment, and disposal tips for renovation waste.

On November 22, 2018, the Board of Directors approved new policies for the Certificate of Recognition Program, Items AP1-42-4 of the Assessment Manual and D2-111-4 of the Prevention Manual.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper with options on proposed policy regarding an instalment model for quarterly reporting to stakeholders for comment.

On October 25, 2018 the Board of Directors approved amendments to the Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule (PDES) in the Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual, Volume II, to update conditions to ensure the PDES reflects best practices for assessment and diagnosis.

The average base rate for 2019 will remain at the same level as 2018, at 1.55% of employers' assessable payroll.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has issued a 72-hour strike notice to Canada Post, with the intent of starting rotating strikes on Monday, October 22, which will result in brief mail delivery delays in selected areas unless an agreement is reached.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper reviewing how section 55 of the Workers Compensation Act is applied to mental disorder claims. The discussion paper includes questions for consideration. The feedback received will inform the development of draft policy which will then be released for consultation prior to the Board of Directors’ consideration and approval.

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on a Kelowna roofing firm taking safety to the next level; managing fatigue in the workplace; and how a Vancouver brewery gives young workers a voice.

WorkSafeBC will hold public hearing sessions in October 2018 regarding changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

A simple, concise publication is now available to guide the work of joint health and safety committees.

Canada Post is currently in collective agreement negotiations with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. WorkSafeBC encourages workers and providers to register for direct deposit and employers to take advantage of our online services to avoid any potential concerns if postal delivery is affected by these negotiations.