The WorkSafeBC Board of Directors approved May-June public hearings regarding proposed regulatory amendments to: Part 5, Chemical Agents and Biological Agents Part 11, Fall Protection Part 12, Tools, Machinery and Equipment Part 12, Tools, Machinery and Equipment; and consequential amendments to Part 23, Oil and Gas Part 13, Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms, and … Continue reading
A construction site worker written up by WorkSafeBC for wearing a high visibility safety vest that was black. WorkSafeBC is very clear about the safety apparel approved for wear in every situation. In every case, the colour choices are clear: G8.24 High Visibility Apparel Issued August 1, 1999; Editorial Revision April 2005 Type 1 – Vest, shirt … Continue reading
By Andrea Raso Amer WorkSafe BC (the Province’s occupational health and safety regulator) recently introduced policy guidelines which describe an employers’ responsibilities over its internal joint health and safety committee. The guidelines also set out the factors that WorkSafe may take into account when deciding whether when an employer is exempt from the joint committee requirements set … Continue reading
Massive resources are available on the OSHA site managed and maintained by the US Dept of Labor. Canadian regulations are also very similar, if not often to the same standard. An estimated 5 million workers are required to wear respirators in 1.3 million workplaces throughout the United States. Respirators protect workers against insufficient oxygen environments, … Continue reading
There are new Occupational Health and Safety Regulation amendments approved by WorkSafeBC Board of Directors that take effect February 1, 2012. These changes will impact Safety Programs, and safe work procedures. Some include amendments to: Part 6, Substance-Specific Requirements – Asbestos-containing material definition (from 1% to 0.5%) Part 9, Confined Spaces – new requirements for … Continue reading
The Ontario Ministry of Labour is seeking submissions on a proposed new regulation under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) that would provide assistance with OHSA reprisal complaints, including education, legal advice and representation, to non-unionized workers and small employers (fewer than 50 employees). The proposed regulation would expand the mandate of the Office of … Continue reading