WorkSafeBC assigns a hazard rating based on the primary type of work that you do. Sometimes this rating does not accurately reflect the risks in your workplace. This may happen when your business has multiple workplaces or operates in ways not typical of your industry.

In this case, you may need to use a different hazard rating. Consider the situations below before finalizing your hazard rating.

If you don’t know your assigned hazard rating, you can find your assigned hazard rating now.

Situations that may affect your hazard rating

If you are a prime contractor for a multiple-employer workplace where work is done in stages

Consider the work being done during the stage in which your workers are involved.

For example, forestry management has a high hazard rating. But if one employer's workers are doing tree planting and no other types of work, then you may use a medium hazard rating for that stage.

If there is a more accurate hazard rating

Sometimes, the work being done has a higher level of risk than is typical for your industry. In this case, select a higher hazard rating that more closely matches the work being done.

For example, if you have a large retail store, this would be assigned a low hazard rating by WorkSafeBC. But if you also have a large warehouse, you should assign a medium hazard rating for that workplace.

Changing your hazard rating

After you consider all situations for each of your workplaces, decide if you need to keep your assigned hazard rating or change it.

If you change your hazard rating, document your reasons in your written first aid assessment.

After you finalize your hazard rating, the next step is to determine ease of access for ambulance attendants.

Please note: The content on this page is intended to help you understand and meet the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. More detailed information can be found in the OHS Guidelines and/or OHS Regulation.