WorkSafeBC’s Research Services provides funding for academic scientific study and practical, innovative projects that provide insight and solutions for real issues faced by workplaces and WorkSafeBC.

First aid attendants are a lifeline for those who become injured or ill in the workplace. WorkSafeBC regularly reviews the occupational first aid training program to ensure that it is keeping up with best practices. In order to cover a broader spectrum of medical issues, and align treatment protocols with Canadian and international best practices, occupational first aid training requirements are changing on July 1, 2018.

Our 2017 Annual Report and 2018-2020 Service Plan was tabled yesterday by the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The annual report provides an audited review of our performance against targets set the previous year. It also includes our audited consolidated financial statements. This year’s report highlights our 100 years of service to the workers and employers of British Columbia.

At the May 2018 meeting, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 new and revised American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Values.

The Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2018 (Bill 9) amends the Workers Compensation Act by adding a mental disorder presumption for correctional officers, emergency medical assistants, firefighters, police officers and sheriffs who are exposed to one or more traumatic events as part of their employment.

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on a mentorship program that helps young carpenters; keeping roadside workers safe; and new powered stretchers and loading systems that reduce risk for paramedics.

Join us and other employers in your region to learn more about the 2019 preliminary rates for your industry, injury trends in British Columbia, and what you can do to reduce injuries, claim costs, and your insurance rate.

There is currently a high risk of flooding in many areas of B.C. This is due to a heavy snowpack that is rapidly melting, mixed with plugged or frozen culverts. In areas recently burned by wildfire, the flood risk can be even greater due to the soil’s reduced ability to absorb water. Heavy snowmelt also increases the risk of landslides and debris in rivers and creeks, road and bridge washouts, and dangerous erosion.

To help employers prepare for the possible legalization of cannabis, WorkSafeBC has prepared an information primer that summarizes the regulatory requirements related to workplace impairment.

You're invited to attend the Fatigue Risk Management Symposium on June 7 to learn how to mitigate and manage fatigue-related risk in the workplace.

In January 2018, the WorkSafeBC Board of Directors retained an external consultant, Paul Petrie, to conduct a review of the WorkSafeBC Rehabilitation and Claims Services policies.

On March 29, 2018, the Board of Directors approved amendments to Item C3-16.10, Pre-Existing Conditions − Specific Injuries, of the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II (RS&CM).

April 28 has been designated the national Day of Mourning, a time when we all come together to remember those who have lost their lives due to work-related incidents or occupational diseases. Last year 158 workers died as a result of their work.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is requesting feedback on the proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.  

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on risk control at a Vancouver Island bison ranch; emergency-response training in Sicamous; and training young workers in the finishing trades.

Between November 20 and December 31, 2017, WorkSafeBC officers conducted the first phase of a three-phase ammonia inspection initiative.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper on the PDES 2017 Review with options and draft policies to stakeholders for comment.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is requesting feedback on three proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

At their January meeting, the Board of Directors approved the Policy, Regulation and Research Division’s 2018 – 2020 Policy Priorities Workplans. These workplans encompass policy priorities relating to compensation, occupational disease, assessments and occupational health and safety.

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on committing to road safety at work; tips for snow removal; and ergonomics to bridge the generation gap.