This research examined the effectiveness of B.C. construction worker participation on health and safety committees or as safety representatives, and included a cross-jurisdictional comparison (nationally and internationally) with other approaches to participation

A key component of occupational accident and injury prevention is effective facilitation of the internal responsibility system, which involves joint worker and employer responsibility for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management. A significant weakness in the internal responsibility system in B.C. construction is in the area of worker representation and participation. This project reviewed how several jurisdictions have improved worker representation and participation in cooperative OH&S management, and identified best practices that could be applied to improve prevention in the B.C. construction industry

The study reviewed relevant research, programs, and legislation/regulations in Ontario, United Kingdom, New Zealand and the Australian state of Victoria. In addition, key informant interviews were conducted with B.C. construction industry stakeholders and worker representatives, to identify barriers to worker participation in OH&S in the construction industry in B.C., and the effectiveness of related Workers Compensation Act provisions