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WorkSafeBC issues OHS Guideline clarifying obligations on resource roads
WorkSafeBC has issued OHS Guideline G1.1(1), which provides details on the extent and nature of health and safety obligations on resource roads.
Re-instatement of the GST and PST in British Columbia
Effective April 1, 2013, WorkSafeBC will pay GST and PST on the purchase of all taxable goods and services.
WorkSafeBC announces premium rates for 2013
WorkSafeBC has finalized employer premium rates for 2013. The average base premium rate will increase by about five percent, which is the first base rate increase in nine years.
Board of Directors approves amendments to OHS Penalty Stay Requests Policy D12-196-7
At its January 2013 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to Policy D12-196-7, regarding occupational health and safety penalty stay requests, to become effective March 1, 2013.
Board of Directors approves amendments to OHS Compliance Orders Policy D12-187-1
At its January 2013 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to the occupational health and safety compliance orders policy D12-187-1, to become effective March 1, 2013.
At its November 2012 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Board of Directors' decision on Extended Coverage for Motion Picture and Television Productions
On November 28, 2012, the Board of Directors approved a new policy, Item AP1-2-4, Extended Coverage for Motion Picture or Television Productions, of the Assessment Manual.
Workers, employers, and families are gathering at Day of Mourning ceremonies across B.C. today and Sunday to pay tribute to workers injured or killed on the job.
Board of Directors’ decisions on 2012 amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
At its October 2012 meeting, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Board of Directors’ decision on the Classification Policy Review
On October 11, 2012, the Board of Directors approved amendments to introduce descriptions of key terms to the classification policies and consolidate policy direction on how to assign a classification unit to a firm.
On October 11, 2012, WorkSafeBC's Board of Directors approved changes to assessment policy to introduce a net rate transitioning program.
Effective Date of Classification Policy
On October 11, 2012, WorkSafeBC's Board of Directors approved amendments to Section 251 Referral – Effective Date of Classification Changes policy.
Bill 14, the new mental disorder legislation which took effect on July 1, 2012, changes the way mental disorders caused by work are covered in British Columbia. Learn how these changes may impact you.
Implementation of changes to coverage for mental disorders– Bill 14
On May 31, 2012, the B.C. legislature passed Bill 14, Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2011. Bill 14 amends section 5.1 of the Workers Compensation Act, changing coverage for mental disorders caused by work. Updated July 20, 2012
Bill 14, Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2011 – Mental Disorders
The Board of Directors has approved the deletion of Item C3-13.00, Mental Stress, of the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II; and replacement with new Item C3-13.00, Section 5.1 - Mental Disorders, to reflect the Bill 14 amendments to the Workers Compensation Act, as they relate to compensation for mental disorders. The legislative amendments will come into effect on July 1, 2012.
Occupational health and safety workplace bullying and harassment policy and tool kit
WorkSafeBC is consulting on a proposed occupational health and safety workplace bullying and harassment policy until September 28, 2012. A tool kit will also be available in the fall of 2012.
Work safe, play safe, and drive safe — Don’t take the risk
In partnership with WorkSafeBC, an awareness campaign from the Central and Northern Forest Industry and USW Locals 1-424 and 1-425, under the Safety Health Awareness Research Program, is reminding workers to stay safe this holiday season, at work and at home.
Watch three new videos about your coverage
What benefits do employers and workers receive with their WorkSafeBC coverage? And how can employers calculate how much their coverage will cost? For answers to these questions and more, check out three new videos: What do I get for my WorkSafeBC coverage?, along with a short and detailed version of How much will my insurance cost?
A farmer moving manure around the farm was exposed to hazardous levels of methane gas. WorkSafeBC is investigating.
Consultation on the Interest Policy for Compensation Benefits
The Policy and Regulation Division has prepared a discussion paper and draft policies on the entitlement to interest on compensation benefits in the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volumes I and II, for stakeholder review and comment.
The Policy and Regulation Division has prepared a draft 2013–2015 Compensation, Occupational Disease and Assessment Policy Priorities Workplan for stakeholder review and comment. Please note the submission deadline has been extended one week to December 7, 2012.
Consultation on Workers' Compensation Coverage for Motion Picture and Television Productions
The Board of Directors, at their October 11, 2012 meeting, approved the release for consultation of a discussion paper with policy options and implications on workers' compensation coverage for motion picture and television productions.
Consultation on the determination of retirement date for permanent disability awards
The Policy and Regulation Division has prepared a discussion paper and draft policies for stakeholder review and comment on the determination of retirement date for permanent disability awards.
Consultation on the registration requirements for property management firms and building owners
The Policy and Regulation Division has prepared a discussion paper, for stakeholder review and comment, about the proposed removal of specific policy direction from the Assessment Manual related to the registration of property management firms and building owners.
National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims
November 21, 2012, is the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, a day set aside to remember those killed or seriously injured on Canadian roads.
October is Occupational Ergonomics Month
Enter our Innovations contest by telling us about a lifting task at your organization that was improved through a physical change in the workplace or a change in the work process and you could win a free lunch for your workgroup.
Consultation on policy relating to an employer’s duty towards other workers
The Board of Directors, at their May 2012 meeting, approved the release for consultation of a discussion paper and proposed new policy relating to an employer’s duty towards other workers.
Consultation on proposed changes to Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Orders
The Board of Directors, at their May 2012 meeting, approved the release for consultation of a discussion paper and proposed changes to the policy regarding Occupational Health and Safety (“OHS”) Compliance Orders.
The Board of Directors, at their May 2012 meeting, approved the release for consultation of a discussion paper and proposed new Occupational Health and Safety ("OHS") policies regarding workplace bullying and harassment.
WorkSafeBC announces 2013 preliminary rates
View the preliminary rates by industry sector and classification unit. The final 2013 rates will be determined by the Board of Directors in October.
A reference to the Review Division Practices and Procedures in Appendix “B” of the discussion paper has been corrected.
The deadline for feedback has been extended to Friday, October 12, 2012 at 4:30 P.M.
Consultation on proposed changes to Occupational Health and Safety Warning Letters
The Board of Directors, at their May 2012 meeting, approved the release for consultation of a discussion paper and proposed changes to the policy regarding Occupational Health and Safety (“OHS”) Warning Letters.
Consultation on proposed changes to Occupational Health and Safety Penalty Stay Requests
The Board of Directors, at their May 2012 meeting, approved the release for consultation of a discussion paper and proposed changes to the policy regarding Occupational Health and Safety (“OHS”) Penalty Stay Requests.
Court of Appeal for British Columbia – Loss of Earnings Policy
By Resolution dated July 17, 2012, the Board of Directors of WorkSafeBC approved changes to policy item #40.00 to remove the three criteria in the policy and to incorporate guidance on the determination of significant loss of earnings.
Board of Directors Decision on Interest on Compensation Section 251 Referral
At its meeting on July 17, 2012, the Board of Directors made a decision that the “blatant Board error” test in policy item #50.00 of the Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual, Volume I and II, is supported by the Workers Compensation Act and that the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal must apply it. The Board of Directors’ decision letter is available for review.
At its meeting on May 31, 2012, WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors approved the deletion of OHS Policy R20.40-1, effective July 1, 2012.
Bill 14, Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2011 – Apprentice or Learner
By resolution dated June 20, 2012, the Board of Directors of WorkSafeBC approved amendments to policy item #67.40, Apprentice or Learner, of the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II to reflect the Bill 14 amendments to the Workers Compensation Act, as they relate to the calculation of average earnings for apprentices or learners. The legislative amendments will come into effect on July 1, 2012.
Net rate transitioning when a firm’s classification changes
The Policy and Regulation Division has prepared a discussion paper and draft Assessment Manual policy on a proposed Net Rate Transitioning Program, for stakeholder review and comment.
New option for employers in late-night retail
Effective April 15, 2012, employers may implement a prescribed and audited Violence Prevention Program as one option to protect workers assigned to work alone at night. New Guideline: G4.22.1-3 Late night retail - Violence Prevention Program; Approved working alone amendments: OHSR Part 4, sections 4.22.1 and 4.23; Employer’s Guide: Late Night Retail Safety Procedures and Requirements.
2012 New or Revised ACGIH Threshold Limit Values
This notice is to advise that the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ("ACGIH") has published the 2012 new or revised Threshold Limit Values (“TLVs”) and consequently, the Table of Occupational Exposure Limits for Excluded Substances in Prevention Policy R5.48-1 has been amended.
Cone Zones keep roadside workers safe
The Work Zone Safety Alliance and WorkSafeBC encourage drivers to take care when driving near roadside workers this summer.
2011 Statistics report now available
The report offers a snapshot of claims, prevention, premiums, enforcement, and customer service during 2011.
Insurance for motion picture and television industry loan-out companies
In order to help the motion picture and television industry work with their exceptional class of loan-out companies, WorkSafeBC has established a process to determine a loan-out corporation’s status, including whether or not the corporation is required to register with WorkSafeBC.
NAOSH Week — did your B.C. organization participate?
Certificates and awards are available! For more information visit the Participation Certificates and Awards section on the NAOSH Week home page.
Bilingual signs tell Richmond drivers to slow down
New signs in English and Chinese encourage drivers to reduce their speed when passing through roadside construction zones.
When do homeowners need to register?
When a homeowner hires a worker or a contractor they may need to register for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage. Learn about registration requirements.
Bulletin — Clean-up of hazardous combustible dust
Many sawmills are going to be paying closer attention to wood dust accumulation in their workplaces in light of the recent tragic events. There are significant combustible hazards when collecting and removing accumulated wood dust. WorkSafeBC has prepared a simple one-page bulletin highlighting those hazards and the safe cleaning procedures that protect workers.
Consultation on the Classification Policy Review
The Policy and Regulation Division has prepared a discussion paper and draft policies on the classification of firms in the Assessment Manual, for stakeholder review and comment.
Updated: Consultation deadline extended to Friday, May 25, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.
WorkSafeBC is requesting stakeholder feedback on a proposed new policy relating to the status of resource roads as workplaces.
The Board of Directors approved public hearings to be held in May and June 2012 to consider proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Housekeeping Changes to Occupational Health and Safety Policies
The Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Services, recently approved housekeeping changes to policy R20.40-1 contained in WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Manual, effective February 1, 2012.
Proposed policies to implement Bill 14 amendments
WorkSafeBC has released discussion papers and draft policies for implementing Bill 14 as it relates to mental disorders and calculation of long-term average earnings for apprentices or learners.
Permanent Disability Awards for Tinnitus
On March 29, 2012, the Board of Directors approved amendments to policy item #31.00, Hearing Loss, effective June 1, 2012.
Minor Policy Clarifications to the Assessment Manual
On March 29, 2012, the Board of Directors approved changes to the Assessment Manual to clarify policy direction and ensure consistency with current practice, effective June 1, 2012.
WorkSafeBC has updated the status of orders issued under the combustible dust strategy.
Investigations into the catastrophic fires and explosions at Babine Forest Products sawmill in Burns Lake and Prince George’s Lakeland Mills continue.
Health Care Professional Conference: registration deadline May 25, 2012
Don't delay and register now.
WorkSafeBC is providing an update on status of its investigation into the explosion and fire at the Babine Forest Products sawmill in Burns Lake.
WorkSafeBC directive to sawmill employers
The directive order is being delivered by email or by WorkSafeBC officers to all sawmill employers in B.C. All employers in this classification will have the order within the next 48 hours.
WorkSafeBC initiates investigation into Lakeland Sawmill explosion
WorkSafeBC sends condolences to the family of the deceased, the workers injured in the Lakeland Mills explosion, and the community of Prince George, and has initiated an investigation into the incident.
WorkSafeBC releases mill site in Burns Lake
WorkSafeBC has concluded the first phase of its investigation into the incident in which two workers died and many others were seriously injured at the Babine Forest Products Mill site in Burns Lake earlier this year.
New tool kit to help reduce the risk of domestic violence entering the workplace
WorkSafeBC is releasing resources to help employers and workers reduce the risk of domestic violence entering the workplace.
Workplace safety and health week — May 6 – 12, 2012
The safety and health of B.C.’s workers is the focus of a host of activities taking place for North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH Week).
Concussion specialist to speak at Health Care Professional Conference
Concussion specialist, Dr. Grant Iverson, is the latest confirmed speaker at the 8th Annual Health Care Professional Conference, to be held on June 8, 2012.
Day of Mourning ceremonies pay tribute to fallen workers
Workers, employers, and families are gathering at Day of Mourning ceremonies across B.C. today and tomorrow to pay tribute to those who have died on the job.
The Day of Mourning is a time when we honour the memory of workers who have died as a result of workplace injury or illness. Learn more about the history of the Day of Mourning, this year's ceremonies, the live webcast, and facts about workplace injuries and fatalities.
WorkSafeBC 2011 enforcement report
On February 28, 2012, WorkSafeBC released its 2011 enforcement report.
RoadSafetyAtWork.ca provides tools to improve safety for B.C.’s working drivers
WorkSafeBC has launched a new safe-driving website, in partnership with the BCAA Road Safety Foundation. The new site is aimed at employers whose workers are required to drive in the course of their work.
“Stay On Top” Roofing Workshop on March 28
Roofers, supervisors, estimators, inspectors, and suppliers can benefit from this workshop on steep-slope roofing, hosted by WorkSafeBC and partners.
Change of hours — Teleclaim Contact Centre
We’re extending our hours to serve you better. Beginning January 16, 2012, our Teleclaim Contact Centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Release of proposed amendments to Ch. 10 of the Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual, Volume II
The Policy and Research Division has developed a discussion paper and draft revisions to the policies in Chapter 10 for the consideration of stakeholders by January 27, 2012. January 20, 2012 Update: consultation period extended to February 10, 2012.
WorkSafeBC announces flat average premium rate for 2012
The rates continue to be among the lowest in Canada, and are the lowest rates in B.C. for the last 30 years.