Health and Safety Enews

Overexposure to workplace noise can cause permanent and irreversible damage to workers’ hearing. This resource package includes a customizable template, a guide, and two completed samples — one for a small employer and one for a large employer.

	Workers Compensation Act Dollar amounts in the Workers Compensation Act were adjusted on January 1 to reflect changes in the consumer price index (CPI). View the updates »
	OHS Policy Updates Amendments to the Table of Exposure Limits for Excluded Substances took effect on January 6. Amendments to policies for penalties and claims cost levies (CPI adjustments) took effect on January 1. View the updates »
	OHS Guideline Updates The Table of Exposure Limits for Chemical and Biological Substances was updated on January 6, 2020. One guideline was updated on December 20, 2019, to provide guidance about acceptable occupational hygiene methods. View the updates »
	How loud is it? Construction This revised bulletin provides examples of noise exposure by equipment type, and identifies the types of hearing protection needed to protect against exposure to noise. Download the bulletin »
	Fishing vessel stability: Reducing the risk of capsizing and lives lost This new bulletin discusses factors that can negatively affect vessel stability, the responsibilities of owners and masters, and safe work practices to put in place to help reduce the risk. Download the bulletin »
	New issue of WorkSafe Magazine: November/December Peer support program builds safety culture The unique risks of silo fires Taking workplace safety to heart Read this month's issue »
	What’s wrong with this photo? (Food truck safety) Enter by February 15 for a chance to win and have your answers published. Take the challenge online or print the photo for safety meetings and toolbox talks. Take the challenge »
	Joint Health and Safety Committees: Frequently asked questions If your workplace has 20 or more workers, you need to have a joint health and safety committee. This resource includes common questions about committee membership and training requirements, and its role in promoting workplace safety. See the FAQ »
	Opportunities to apply for WorkSafeBC research grants Do you have an idea that could help improve workplace health and safety? Develop your idea into a practical solution with a Research Training Award (January 31 deadline) or an Innovation at Work grant (February 14 deadline). Learn more about research grants »
	Grant writing sessions for Innovation at Work applicants In late January, Research Services will be offering grant writing best practices sessions by phone to help Innovation at Work applicants who are unfamiliar with completing a research grant application. For more information, email resquery@worksafebc.com or call 604.244.6300.
	Protect your employees and your business with a road safety program that works If you have employees who drive for work, engage your entire organization in a road safety program. Road safety matters because healthy, engaged employees are essential for your continued business success. Find tools and resources »
	Information session on understanding the risks of powder coatings January 28; Civic Hotel, Surrey WorkSafeBC is hosting a free breakfast information session on the risks of powder coating. The session will help employers understand their health and safety obligations and how to protect workers from harm. Email to register »
	Workshop: Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention in manufacturing February 21; Surrey Falls on the same level are the third leading cause of injuries in manufacturing. This workshop reviews the main components of a slips, trips, and falls prevention program and how it can be implemented at your workplace. Register for the workshop »
	Human Factors Approach to Safety and Incident Investigation workshop March 5; Richmond (see link for other dates and locations) This one-day workshop will help employers understand how to apply the human factors approach to their incident investigations and safety management systems. Secure your spot »
	Actsafe Entertainment Safety conference March 5–7; Richmond (Early bird registration deadline January 31) Aimed at the performing arts and live events sector, as well as the motion picture and television industry, this conference offers safety workshops, interactive demonstrations, and panel discussions with industry experts. Find out more about the conference »
	Product recalls Yamaha EF2000iS portable generator recalled as the fuel tank can crack, resulting in fuel leakage and a fire hazard Yardworks, Yard Machines, and Troy-Bilt snow throwers recalled due to risk of injury as the plastic wheel rims can break if wheel is over-inflated
	Recent posts from the Speaking of Safety blog Growing safer work practices in forest nurseries Stopping pathogens from spreading in hospital washrooms Don’t cut corners on safety when using pallet jacks From safety award winner to safety advisor Improving safety for concrete pump operations in B.C. See more posts »