Published on: September 4, 2026

Every worker needs the knowledge and skills to do their job safely. That starts with effective orientation and training, and continues through ongoing supervision and support. By investing in worker training, employers can help prevent injuries and create safer workplaces.

Gary Rose
Occupational safety officer

By Tanya Colledge

Section 3.23 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation sets out employers’ responsibilities for providing orientation and training to all workers, including new and young workers. Occupational safety officer Gary Rose explains what employers need to do and offers practical guidance on building effective training programs.

Q. Who are new and young workers?

A. A young worker is any worker under the age of 25, regardless of their work experience. A new worker can be any age, and includes workers who are:

• New to the workplace
• Returning to work after an absence or facing new or changed hazards
• In a new workplace or location that has different hazards than the old one

Q. What stands out when you review an employer’s orientation and training program?

A. The Regulation outlines what employers must provide before work begins and, when needed, while they’re on the job.

Effective orientation is more than checking a box. It gives workers the information they need to work safely, report hazards, and speak up about unsafe work. In doing so, it helps prevent injuries and build a stronger safety culture.

When reviewing an employer’s orientation and training program, I make sure it includes information such as:

• Site hazards and emergency procedures
• Muster and assembly areas
• How to summon first aid and report hazards
• Safe work procedures and training for the job and worksite

Q. What do you talk to workers about when you’re inspecting a workplace?

A. I’ll ask workers questions to check whether they’ve received the proper training and understand the hazards and safety procedures needed for their work. Workers may be new to the job, unfamiliar with the worksite, or have language barriers. Employers should take steps to confirm workers understand key safety information before work begins.

Q. How often should employers conduct orientation and training?

A. Orientation isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that should be repeated when work conditions, hazards, or job duties change. Construction sites are a good example — conditions can change frequently. When conducting an inspection, I look for a program that considers evolving job site conditions. Employers need to regularly assess whether workers need updated orientation or training as conditions and hazards change.

Q. How do you assess training records?

A. The first thing I check is whether records are clear, complete, and up to date. Records should show what training was provided, which hazards were covered, who delivered it, and who attended. I also want to see that workers received training on the specific hazards they’ll face on the job, such as fall protection, confined spaces, or hazardous materials. Training needs to be relevant to the work and the worksite.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A. See our Training & orienting workers and Young & new worker training webpages on worksafebc.com.

We also offer health and safety resources in multiple languages to support worker training.

WorkSafeBC prevention and investigating officers cannot and do not provide advice on specific cases or issues referenced in this article. WorkSafeBC and WorkSafe Magazine disclaim responsibility for any reliance on this information, which is provided for readers’ general education only. For more specific information on prevention matters, contact the WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line at 604.276.3100 or toll-free at 1.888.621.7233.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of WorkSafe Magazine.

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