Complete Resolution

At its September 2008 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to Parts 1, 4, 5, 14, 17, 20, 22, and 23 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. A strikethrough version of the approved amendments with explanatory notes can be accessed below.

• Part 1, Definitions, and Part 4, General Conditions, relating to avalanche assessment
• Part 4, General Conditions, relating to environmental tobacco smoke
• Part 5, Chemical Agents and Biological Substances, relating to designation of substances
• Part 14, Cranes and Hoists, relating to operator’s duties
• Part 17, Transportation of Workers, relating to seating requirements and seat belts in vehicles used to transport workers
• Part 20, Construction, Excavation and Demolition, and Part 22, Underground Workings, relating to fills, stockpiles and professional certifications
• Part 23, Oil and Gas, relating to snubbing operations, emergency escape system, riding hoisting equipment, and miscellaneous items

All amendments, except those relating to avalanche assessment in Part 4, became effective on January 1, 2009. The amendments relating to avalanche assessment in Part 4 became effective on September 1, 2009, to avoid introducing changes in the middle of the winter season. Requirements for avalanche planners to sign off on active avalanche safety programs will become effective on September 1, 2011, to allow time for a sufficient number of avalanche planners to meet the training and experience criteria established by the Canadian Avalanche Association. In light of feedback received during the public hearing process, the proposed amendments to Part 22, relating to accommodation of tunnel boring and cut and cover excavation methods, were withdrawn. Further consultation will be done with affected stakeholders. The amendments referenced above were all taken to public hearings in May and June 2008. Stakeholder feedback received during the public hearing process is available for review