OHS Insider Month in Review – January 2018: British Columbia
Anne Diorelle
Posted On January 12, 2018
LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Workers’ Comp Filing Deadline
Feb. 28, March 15 or March 31, depending on the final 2 digits of your account number
Crane Operators
Nov. 21: Under the BC OHS Regulation (Section 14.34.1), a mobile crane, tower crane or boom truck may be operated only by an individual with a valid operator’s certificate “issued by a person acceptable to the Board.” WorkSafeBC just revised its guideline (G14.34.1 Operator Certification) to clarify that:
- “Person acceptable to the Board” means the British Columbia Association for Crane Safety, the organization with responsibility for issuing crane operator certification in the province
- Operators from other jurisdictions must have their credentials validated by the organization to meet the regulatory requirement.
Materials Handling
Jan. 1: New OHS regulations took effect requiring employers to ensure that storage racks f 2.4 metres or higher are:
- Capable of safely supporting items stored
- Designed and constructed in accordance with good engineering practice
- Used in accordance with the specifications and instructions of the manufacturer or a professional engineer
- Installed by a qualified person.
OHS Priorities
Jan.: WorkSafeBC’s OHS priorities for 2018-2020, according to the agency’s Policy Workplan:
- Review bullying and harassment requirements (under Sect. 173 of Workers Comp Act)
- Review Partners in Injury & Disability Prevention voluntary certification program
- Clarify rules for discriminatory action, i.e., reprisal complaints
- Review residential demolition and asbestos abatement industries and explore potential certification program for asbestos industry
- Review OELs
- Complete biennial reviews of formaldehyde and styrene
- Review OHS Reg. Part 24– Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations
Key OHS Regulatory Changes to Expect in BC in 2018-2019
| Part of OHS Regulation | Expected Change(s) | Expected Action Date |
| Part 4 General Conditions | Hazard identification and risk assessment to be required in all workplaces | 2018 |
| Part 4, Secs. 4.81 and 4.82 | Extend duty to control exposure to environmental tobacco smoke to e-cigarettes (2019) | 2019 |
| Part 5 Chemical Agents and Biological Agents | Review requirements for combustible dust or particulate solids and for dust collectors | TBD |
| Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements, Secs. 6.42-6.58 | Update current cytotoxic drugs requirements, which were created 20 years ago | 2019 |
| Part 6, Secs. 6.89 and 6.90 | Update Restricted entry intervals (REIs), i.e., minimum time required between the time a pesticide is applied and the time people can enter the area without protective clothing and equipment | 2019 |
| Part 8 PPE, Sec. 8.11 | Update safety headgear requirements and references to voluntary standards cited in Reg. | 2018 |
| Part 8, Secs. 8.14-8.18 | Update eye and face protection requirements and references to CSA and ANSI standards cited in Reg. | 2018 |
| 8. Part 8 and Part 18 Traffic Control, Secs. 8.24 and 18.9(b) | Update high-visibility apparel requirements and references to standards cited in Reg. | 2019 |
| Part 9 Confined Spaces | Review all of Part to ensure it’s up to date | TBD |
| Part 12 Tools, Machinery and Equipment, multiple sections | Require selection of safeguarding to be based on a comprehensive WCB Standard Personal Protective Equipment Standard 2-1997, High Visibility Garment (“WCB PPE 2- 1997”) | 2019 |
| Part 16 Mobile Equipment | Review all of Part 16 to ensure it’s up to date | 2018 |
| Part 18 Traffic Control, multiple sections | Harmonize rules with Ministry of Transportation 2015 Interim Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways | 2019 |
| Part 20 Construction, Excavation and Demolition, Secs. 20.17-20.26 | Clarify the responsibilities of employers and professional engineers | 2019 |
| Part 21 Blasting Operations, multiple sections | Update requirements for blasting equipment and practices | 2019 |
| Part 24 Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations | New requirement that crewmembers of commercial fishing vessels wear PFDs or lifejackets when working on deck even if guardrails, personal fall protection systems or safety nets are in place | 2018 |
| Part 26 Forestry Operations and Similar Activities, multiple sections | New requirements for arborists based on ANSI Z133-2012 Standard for Safety Requirements in Arboricultural Operations | 2019 |
Source: WorkSafeBC, 2017 – 2019 Regulatory Amendment Workplan
Shoulder Dislocations
Jan. 12: Comments closed on WorkSafeBC’s proposed changes to longstanding rules governing coverage of shoulder dislocations.
Fishing & Aquaculture
Dec. 20: The government began a review to determine whether waste materials from fish processing plants is harming wild salmon stocks and ensure that current waste discharge regulations are in line with modern science and best practices in other jurisdictions.
Timber
Dec. 15: BC is revising its timber partition enforcement methods to ensure that harvesting limits are being followed. Changes include authority to require licensees to make assessments of partitioned timber and reduce the future shares of any licencees found to have overharvested partitioned timber in the past.
