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Asbestos – 2023 Year in Review

ALBERTA

Jan 16: Alberta issued a new OHS allowance, that is, order allowing a work site
party to deviate from an OHS Code requirement, to allow for demolition of a building without first removing materials with the potential to release asbestos fibers, provided that a professional engineer certifies that the building’s structural integrity is or may become compromised due to asbestos abatement activities.

 

Mar 1: The WCB revised its asbestos guidance to incorporate a new OHS allowance allowing for demolition of a building without first removing materials with the potential to release asbestos fibers, provided that a professional engineer certifies that the building’s structural integrity is or may become compromised due to asbestos abatement activities.

Action Point: Implement an Asbestos Exposure Control Plan at your workplace.

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Feb 28: That’s the final day of public consultations on proposed changes to the certification and licensing required for asbestos abatement work under Part 6 of the OHS Regulations. The new rules would also require owners and prime contractors to ensure that contractors are properly licensed and certified before letting them carry out abatement work.

Action Point: Implement an Asbestos Exposure Control Plan at your workplace

 

May 10: That’s the final day of public consultations on proposed rules (OHS Regulations, Part 6) to implement new licensing and certification requirements for asbestos abatement work provided for under newly passed Bill 5.

Action Point: Implement an Asbestos Exposure Control Plan at your workplace

 

Jun 9: BC will become the first province to require contractors to get a licence to conduct asbestos abatement work. WorkSafeBC will begin accepting license in September before the new licensing rule officially takes effect on January 1, 2024. Workers will also need certification to perform asbestos abatement work.

Action Point: Find out more about accessibility laws across Canada

 

ONTARIO

Jun 5: The government reported on the progress that public agencies in Newfoundland are making in developing their legislatively required Accessibility Plans. The deadline for full implementation is December 31, 2023.

Action Point: Find out more about accessibility laws across Canada

 

Nov 16: Bill 52, which is designed to improve accessibility in public spaces, has received Royal Assent. Key changes: i. Removal of pre-1981 exemption from current Buildings Accessibility Act; ii. Clarification of how the Act applies to home-based businesses; and iii. Doubling of fines for violations.

Action Point: Find out more about accessibility laws across Canada