WorkSafeBC improves access to occupational health and safety information
Richmond, B.C. — WorkSafeBC is making it easier for employers and workers to access occupational health and safety information through an expansion of its Prevention Information Line, a toll-free phone service dedicated to health and safety in B.C. workplaces.
The expansion of the telephone line means that workers and employers can connect directly to eight dedicated prevention officers with diverse specializations across B.C. And, because the prevention officers have access to interpreters, callers can report in many languages.
"No matter where they are located in the province, workers and employers have direct access to WorkSafeBC prevention officers," said Jacqueline Holmes, Manager of Prevention Field Services for WorkSafeBC. "The purpose of this service is to enhance access to occupational health and safety information, improve response times, and ultimately reduce injuries."
Since the information line was expanded, call volumes to WorkSafeBC related to occupational health and safety issues have risen by about 20 per cent, while the average response time has been reduced by 70 per cent.
Just under a third of calls are construction-related, with health care (8.1 per cent), manufacturing (7.0 per cent) and hospitality (6.0 per cent) rounding out the top enquiries. Nearly half of all calls are safety-related. Bullying and harassment/discrimination is the second largest line of enquiry at nearly 21 per cent.
WorkSafeBC's Prevention Information Line was established to provide easy access to consistent information, guidance and resources related to occupational health and safety regulations, as well as rights and responsibilities. Callers can report a serious incident, an unsafe work condition, request a worksite inspection or consultation, or talk to a prevention officer about any occupational health and safety issue.
People in the Lower Mainland can call the Prevention Information Line at 604.276.3100 or toll-free at 1.888.621.SAFE from anywhere in Canada. The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The prevention officers are directly available Monday to Friday from 8:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Callers with claim-related questions should call 1.888.WORKERS.)
About WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC engages workers and employers to prevent injury, disease, and disability in B.C. When work-related injuries or diseases occur, WorkSafeBC provides compensation and support to people in their recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work. We serve approximately 2.4 million workers and 245,000 employers across B.C.
For more information, contact:
Media Relations, WorkSafeBC
Email: media@worksafebc.com
Tel: 604.276.5157