WorkSafeBC created a new occupational health and safety (OHS) advisor position. These individuals will support the health and safety responsibilities of employers and workers in B.C.

By Tobi Matilda

Our first group of OHS advisors are ready to assist employers and workers with education, guidance, and support on health and safety matters. Our advisors can also share tools and resources that promote health and safety in the workplace.

“The OHS advisors will allow us to support employers with health and safety information that can help prevent workplace injuries,” says Gina Vahlas, a prevention manager with WorkSafeBC. "We want this increased outreach to enhance our connection to B.C. workplaces and make employers aware of the valuable resources and services available to employers."

OHS advisors will communicate with employers through virtual and in-person engagements and presentations. After meeting with you, they will provide a summary of the engagement and links to key resources and services."

Here are some ways in which an OHS advisor can help:

• Share insights about legislation that affects your business
  
  OHS advisors can assist employers and workers to understand and prepare to meet requirements under the following health and safety legislation:
  • Workers Compensation Act, Policies, and Guidelines
  • Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
  • WCB Standards
  • Other standards referenced in the Regulation (for example, CSA, ANSI, and ISO)
• Guide and advise on how to identify and assess hazards and risks in your workplace
  
  OHS advisors can provide guidance and advice on assessing risks and implementing compliant health and safety controls in your workplace. Unlike WorkSafeBC prevention officers, they don’t conduct workplace inspections or issue orders.
• Support your firm’s health and safety management systems
  
  OHS advisors will work with you on foundational health and safety management systems, including joint health and safety committees, health and safety programs, and worker training and orientation. They can also demonstrate how to use WorkSafeBC’s health and safety online tools and resources.
• Point you to other associations for help
  
  If employers or workers need to liaise with other agencies, OHS advisors can direct you to health and safety associations, employer and worker associations, the Employers’ Advisor Office (EAO), and the Workers’ Advisors Office (WAO).

Engage with an OHS advisor

We encourage employers and workers to reach out to OHS advisors at WorkSafeBC for assistance with health and safety questions. Advisors will also proactively reach out to firms — whether it be to help prepare for legislative changes or to connect with employers that have had no interactions with WorkSafeBC’s prevention staff in the past.

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to speak to an OHS advisor, please call WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 604.276.3100 (Lower Mainland), or toll free at 1.888.621.7233.

This information originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of WorkSafe Magazine. To read more or to subscribe, visit WorkSafe Magazine.

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