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what is the BC, Canada requirements for supervisory training?

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Published by SALUS

In British Columbia, there is no single stand-alone regulation that says every supervisor must complete one universal supervisory OHS course. However, employers are required under WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to provide instruction and supervision, and many hazard-specific parts of the Regulation require that supervision be assigned to persons who are adequately trained, qualified, or otherwise competent for the work being supervised. In practice, this means employers must ensure supervisors are capable of recognizing hazards, enforcing safe work procedures, verifying worker training, and correcting unsafe conditions as part of their due diligence. [15] [2] [8]

Employer obligations relevant to supervisors include:

  • Provide instruction and supervision so workers can perform work safely.
  • Maintain an occupational health and safety program where required, including management review, incident investigation, records and statistics, and making records available to the joint committee or worker health and safety representative.
  • Ensure regular workplace inspections are conducted at intervals that prevent unsafe conditions, and conduct special inspections after malfunctions or accidents.
  • Ensure young or new workers receive workplace-specific orientation and training before they begin work.
  • Ensure required hazard-specific programs, procedures, training, and supervision are in place for higher-risk work such as confined spaces, asbestos, hazardous drugs, rescue, traffic control, and forestry falling.

[15] [15] [11] For supervisor competency, the Regulation repeatedly uses performance-based language rather than prescribing one generic certificate. A BC supervisor should be able to understand the applicable WorkSafeBC requirements for the work, identify hazards, ensure written procedures are followed, verify worker authorization and competency, enforce PPE and other controls, participate in inspections and investigations, and direct emergency or rescue activities where assigned. For certain activities, the Regulation expressly requires a supervisor to be adequately trained or qualified. [2] [7] [4]

Examples of mandatory or explicit training/supervision requirements under WorkSafeBC that affect supervisors:

  • Confined spaces: employer must implement a written confined space entry program, assign administration to adequately trained persons, assign supervision to a person adequately trained to supervise the job, and ensure each person with confined-space duties is adequately instructed and trained.
  • PPE: employer must ensure workers using PPE are adequately instructed; supervisors must ensure PPE is available, worn, cleaned, inspected, maintained, and stored properly.
  • Asbestos: workers at risk of exposure must be adequately instructed and trained; if less hazardous substitution is not practicable, the employer must document why; certain asbestos records must be retained for at least 10 years.
  • Hazardous drugs: instruction and training must cover health effects, procedures, spills, accidental exposure, and PPE; employers must review training adequacy when conditions change; exposed workers must be effectively supervised.
  • Rescue and evacuation: designated rescue workers must be adequately trained, simulated exercises and regular retraining are required, and training records must be kept.
  • Traffic control: traffic control persons must complete a Board-approved training program that includes knowledge and practical competency assessment.
  • Forestry falling: trainee fallers must be evaluated weekly, records kept, competence verified in writing where applicable, and qualified supervisors must inspect workplaces and keep inspection records.

[2] [8] [5] [10] [3] [9] [13] [4] From a due diligence perspective, BC employers should be able to show that supervisors were selected based on competence, trained on the hazards and legal requirements of the work they oversee, given authority to enforce rules, and monitored for effectiveness. Due diligence is demonstrated through documented hazard assessments, written procedures, inspections, incident investigations, corrective actions, worker orientation, refresher training, and records showing supervisors actually carried out their responsibilities. [16] [15] [14]

OHS compliance documentation that employers in BC should typically maintain for supervisory compliance includes:

  • Supervisor training records, orientation records, and any competency assessments or written designations.
  • Worker orientation and training records, especially for young or new workers.
  • Hazard assessments and written safe work procedures for applicable tasks and regulated activities.
  • Inspection records, including regular inspections, special inspections, and supervisor field inspections where required.
  • Incident and investigation reports, corrective action records, and management review records.
  • PPE instruction records and enforcement documentation where relevant.
  • Emergency response plans, emergency procedures, drill records, rescue training records, and written agreements with outside rescue providers where applicable.
  • Joint committee or worker representative training records, meeting records, evaluations, and records shared with the committee or representative.
  • Any task-specific records expressly required by the Regulation, such as asbestos records retained for 10 years, confined-space program documents, trainee faller evaluations, and written certifications of competence.

[6] [15] [14] [12] [10] [4] A practical compliance approach for BC employers is to implement a supervisor OHS training matrix. Even though the Regulation does not prescribe one universal supervisor course, employers should train supervisors on: core employer/supervisor responsibilities under Part 3; inspections, incident reporting and investigations; refusal of unsafe work; young/new worker orientation; PPE enforcement; emergency procedures; and any hazard-specific requirements for the operations they supervise, such as confined spaces, asbestos, hazardous substances, traffic control, rescue, or forestry. Training should be refreshed when hazards, processes, equipment, substances, or legal requirements change. [1] [11] [3] [13]

Bottom line: in BC, supervisory OHS compliance is competency-based and documentation-driven. Employers must ensure supervisors are adequately trained and effective for the hazards they oversee, especially where the Regulation expressly requires trained or qualified supervision. The strongest evidence of compliance and due diligence is a documented system showing training, supervision, inspections, hazard assessments, written procedures, investigations, corrective actions, and retained records aligned with the specific WorkSafeBC requirements that apply to the workplace. [2] [15] [16]

16 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# Part 18 - Traffic Control (cont.) ## Emergency management (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 18 - Traffic Control (c) traffic management principles described in the Traffic Management Manual, (d) use of a buffer vehicle to protect the work zone during an emergency, (e) safe work procedures, and (f) appropriate selection, use and maintenance of personal protective clothing and safety equipment. (4) An emergency responder, other than a peace officer, may not direct traffic under subsection (2) for more than 2 hours after the start of the emergency unless the emergency responder has completed the training described in section 18.6.2. [en. B.C. Reg. 222/2021, App. D, S. 5.] ## Traffic control person training - 18.6.2 (1) An employer must ensure that a traffic control person has completed a Board- approved traffic control training program. (2) On and after December 1, 2023, the traffic control training program must be based on (a) analysis of the knowledge, skills, abilities and other requirements to perform the job, and (b) training and competency assessment criteria contained in any one of the following: (i) ISO/IEC [redacted postal code]:2012, Conformity Assessment - General Require- ments for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons; (ii) ANSI/ICE 1100: 2019(E), Standard for Assessment-Based Certificate Programs; (iii) ASTM International ASTM E2659-18, Standard Practice for Certificate Programs; (iv) CAN/CSA Z1001-18, Occupational health and safety training; (v) another standard acceptable to the Board. (3) Successful completion of the traffic control training program must include an assessment of the trainee's (a) knowledge of the subject matter, and (b) practical competency. [en. B.C. Reg. 222/2021, App. D, S. 5.] ## Traffic assistant training - 18.6.3 (1) An employer must ensure that a traffic assistant receives workplace training that addresses…

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Equipment and training (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 9 - Confined Spaces ## Notification - 9.39 (1) Before a worker enters a confined space, the responsible supervisor or the standby person must notify rescue personnel of work in the space. (2) The responsible supervisor or the standby person must notify rescue personnel when all workers have completed their work and exited from the space. (3) If more than one confined space is to be entered at the same time, notification of rescue personnel to be on alert status at the commencement of work is adequate. (4) Notification requirements in this section do not apply if the written agreement indicates that rescue personnel are available 24 hours each day. ## Summoning rescue 9.40 The employer must ensure that rescue personnel monitor any signalling system that will be used to summon the rescue persons in the event of an emergency whenever they have been informed by the responsible supervisor or the standby person that a confined space entry is in progress. ## Rescue procedures - 9.41 (1) Rescue or evacuation from a confined space must be directed by a supervisor who is adequately trained in such procedures or a qualified rescue person. (2) Effective voice communication must be maintained at all times between workers engaged in the rescue or evacuation and the person directing the rescue. (3) A rescue worker must not enter a confined space unless there is at least one additional worker located outside to render assistance. (4) A self-contained breathing apparatus, or air supplied respirator with escape bottle, must be used during rescue operations in an unknown or IDLH atmosphere. ## Lifelines, Harnesses and Lifting Equipment ## When required - 9.42 (1) When entering a confined space which contains a high hazard atmosphere, a risk of entrapment or engulfment or with any other…

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements (cont.) ## Instruction and training (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements (2) The instruction and training under subsection (1) must address all of the following: (a) known health effects, including reproductive health effects, caused by exposure to the hazardous drug; (b) the applicable work procedures, including the procedures to be followed in the event of a spill, uncontrolled release or accidental exposure to the hazardous drug; (c) the correct selection, use, care, maintenance and disposal of personal protective equipment and clothing. (3) The employer must (a) review the adequacy of the instruction and training provided under this section if there is a change to (i) the hazardous drug, or (ii) handling practices, work activities or the information available respecting the hazardous drug, and (b) if necessary, ensure that further instruction or training is provided. (4) Instruction and training under subsection (1) must be provided in consultation with a joint committee or worker health and safety representative, as applicable, for a workplace in relation to which the instruction and training are provided. [en. B.C. Reg. 203/2023, S. 2.] ## Supervision 6.52 An employer must ensure that a worker who is or may be exposed to a hazardous drug at a workplace is (a) effectively supervised, and (b) required to follow all work procedures applicable to the workplace. [en. B.C. Reg. 203/2023, S. 2.] ## Spill kits - 6.53 An employer must ensure that clearly labelled spill kits (a) are kept in or near any area in which a hazardous drug is manufactured, received, prepared, administered, stored or transported, and (b) are readily available to workers. [en. B.C. Reg. 203/2023, S. 2.] ## Storing and labelling hazardous drugs - 6.54 (1) An employer must ensure that a hazardous drug is stored as follows: …

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT Part 5 - Chemical Agents and Biological Agents ## Valve operation 5.96 The employer must ensure that a valve which activates an emergency eyewash or shower facility is designed SO that, once activated, the flow of water or flushing solution will continue without requiring the use of the operator's hands. ## Emergency Planning ## Definitions and application - 5.97 (1) In sections 5.98 to 5.104: "emergency procedures" means procedures under sections 5.102 (1) and 5.103 (1); "emergency response plan" means a plan under section 5.101 (1); "inventory" means an inventory under section 5.99; "risk assessment" means an assessment under section 5.100. (2) Sections 5.98 to 5.104 apply in relation to (a) an emergency arising within or outside a workplace, and (b) a hazardous substance at a workplace if the hazardous substance could (i) cause an emergency, or (ii) aggravate the effects of an emergency, including a risk to a person. [en. B.C. Reg. 178/2024, S. 2.] ## Worker participation - 5.98 (1) An emergency response plan, including any inventory, risk assessment, emergency procedures or program for training and drills that is a component of the emergency response plan, must be developed, implemented, reviewed and updated in consultation with (a) the joint committee, (b) the worker health and safety representative, or (c) if there is no joint committee or worker health and safety representative, the workers at the workplace. (2) The following records in relation to a workplace must be readily available to workers and, as applicable, the joint committee or worker health and safety representative: (a) the inventory; (b) the risk assessment; (c) the emergency response plan; (d) the emergency procedures; (e) a record prepared under section 5.104 (4). [en. B.C. Reg. 178/2024, S. …

[5] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Moderate hazard atmosphere (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 9 - Confined Spaces (b) a standby person must be stationed at or near the entrance to the space, (c) the standby person must visually observe or otherwise check the well-being of the worker(s) inside the space, as often as may be required by the nature of the work to be performed, but at least every 20 minutes, (d) there must be a continuous means of summoning the standby person from inside the space, and (e) the standby person must have a means to immediately summon rescue personnel. ## High hazard atmosphere, engulfment or entrapment 9.36 If a worker enters a confined space which contains a high hazard atmosphere, a risk of engulfment or entrapment or with any other recognized serious health or safety hazard (a) another worker or workers must be assigned as the standby person(s), (b) the standby person(s) must be stationed at the entrance to the space and must continuously attend to the standby duties, (c) the standby person(s) must visually observe or otherwise continuously monitor the well-being of the worker(s) inside the space, (d) there must be a continuous means of summoning the standby person(s) from inside the space, (e) the standby person(s) must be equipped and capable of immediately effecting rescue using lifting equipment if required, or otherwise performing the duties of rescue persons, and (f) the standby person(s) must prevent the entanglement of lifelines and other equipment. ## Rescue ## Provision of rescue services - 9.37 (1) The employer must provide for the services of rescue persons when a worker enters a confined space. (2) If the rescue persons are employees of another firm, or an agency such as a fire department, there must be a written agreement detailing the services that are to be provided. ## Equipment and training - 9.38 (1) Every per…

[6] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Forestry operation faller training (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 26 - Forestry Operations and Similar Activities (4) The person supervising a trainee faller under subsection (2) (c) must (a) evaluate the trainee's work on a weekly basis, (b) keep records of all evaluations done in respect of the trainee, and (c) if, at the end of the training period, the trainee's falling activity meets a standard acceptable to the Board, verify in writing that the trainee has demonstrated the competence necessary for certification under subsection (5). (5) If all of the requirements of subsections (1), (2) and (4) are satisfied in respect of a worker who is a trainee faller, a person acceptable to the Board may certify in writing that the worker is a competent faller. (6) A record of the training that is taken under this section must be maintained and kept in a form and manner acceptable to the Board and a copy of that record must be made available to an officer or the trainee to whom the record pertains. (7) Subsection (2) does not apply to a worker who satisfies all of the following requirements: (a) the worker has performed falling duties regularly for at least 2 years before the evaluation under paragraph (b) of this subsection takes place; (b) the worker's falling activity is evaluated by a qualified supervisor or trainer and it meets a standard acceptable to the Board; (c) in the presence of a qualified supervisor or trainer, the worker passes a written or oral examination on falling; (d) the worker is certified in writing as a competent faller by a person acceptable to the Board. (8) For the purposes of subsection (7) (b), the qualified supervisor or trainer must (a) keep a record of the evaluation, and (b) verify in writing that the worker has demonstrated the competence necessary for certification under subsection (7) (d). …

[7] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Procedures (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements (e) removal of asbestos waste and cleanup of asbestos waste material. (4) The procedures must provide a worker with task-specific work direction that addresses both hazards and necessary controls. ## Prohibitions - 6.9 (1) Except for waste intended for disposal, the employer must ensure crocidolite asbestos or material containing crocidolite asbestos is not brought into or used in a workplace. (2) The spraying of asbestos or asbestos-containing material is not permitted. (3) Pressure spraying equipment of any type must not be used to remove asbestos insulation or other asbestos-containing material from buildings or structures. (4) The employer must not permit the use of compressed air to clean up or remove asbestos dust or debris, or dry sweeping or dry mopping of asbestos waste. [am. B.C. Reg. 188/2011, App. B, S. 6.] ## Substitution - 6.10 (1) The employer must substitute material less hazardous than asbestos-containing material when practicable. (2) If such substitution is not practicable, the employer must document the reasons why less hazardous material cannot be substituted for asbestos-containing material, and make this documentation available to workers and to the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable. [am. B.C. Regs. 185/99, S. 43; 188/2011, App. B, S. 7.] ## Instruction and training - 6.11 The employer must ensure that a worker who is at risk of exposure to asbestos is adequately instructed and trained in (a) the hazards of asbestos, (b) the means of identifying asbestos-containing material at the worksite, (c) the work procedures to be followed, (d) the correct use of the required personal protective equipment, and operation of the required engineering controls, and (e) the purpose and si…

[8] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Respiratory protection (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 6 - Substance Specific Requirements ## Protective clothing - 6.30 (1) The employer must ensure that all persons within a designated work area wear protective clothing which is made of material resistant to penetration by asbestos fibres, fits snugly at the neck, wrists and ankles, and as necessary to protect against the risk, covers the head and feet as well as the body. (2) The employer must replace or repair any torn or damaged protective clothing immediately. (3) Before a worker removes protective clothing and equipment, the employer must ensure that the worker cleans this gear with a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA-filtered exhaust. (4) The employer must ensure that a worker removes protective clothing and equipment before leaving the designated work area. (5) The employer must ensure that protective clothing contaminated with asbestos is, before reuse, cleaned with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA-filtered exhaust, and placed in a water-soluble plastic bag, which is sealed and labelled before being sent to an acceptable laundry facility. ## Information to laundry workers 6.31 The employer must ensure that workers who launder clothing contaminated with asbestos are informed of the hazards of asbestos and the precautions required for handling the clothing. ## Documentation ## Retention of records 6.32 The employer must maintain, for at least 10 years, the following records respecting asbestos-containing materials: (a) risk assessments; (b) inspections; (c) air monitoring results; (d) instruction and training of workers; (e) incident investigation reports. [en. B.C. Reg. 9/2017, App. E, S. 4.] ## Biological Agents ## Definitions - 6.33 In sections 6.33 to 6.40: "medical sharp" means a needle device, scalpel, lancet or any other medical…

[9] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Instruction (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 9 - Confined Spaces (b) the precautions identified in written procedures to properly perform their duties. # Hazard Assessment and Work Procedures ## Hazard assessment - 9.9 (1) A hazard assessment must be conducted for each (a) confined space, or each group of confined spaces which share similar characteristics, and (b) work activity, or group of work activities which present similar hazards, to be performed inside a confined space. (2) The hazard assessment required by subsection (1) must consider (a) the conditions which may exist prior to entry due to the confined space's design, location or use, or which may develop during work activity inside the space, and (b) the potential for oxygen enrichment and deficiency, flammable gas, vapour or mist, combustible dust, other hazardous atmospheres, harmful substances requiring lockout and isolation, engulfment and entrapment, and other hazardous conditions. ## Procedures 9.10 Written procedures specifying the means to eliminate or minimize all hazards likely to prevail must be developed, based on the hazard assessment required by section 9.9. ## Qualifications - 9.11 (1) The hazard assessment and written confined space entry procedures must be prepared (a) by a qualified person who has adequate training and experience in the recognition, evaluation and control of confined space hazards, and (b) in consultation with the person assigned overall responsibility for adminis- tration of the confined space entry program and with the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1) (a) qualifications which are acceptable as evidence of adequate training and experience include (a) certified industrial hygienist (CIH), registered occupational hygienist (ROH), certi…

[10] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Plaster hooks and pike poles (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 32 - Evacuation and Rescue B.C. Reg. 296/97 # PART 32 - EVACUATION AND RESCUE 32.1 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. D, S. 34.] Training 32.2 (1) Workers designated to provide rescue or evacuation services must be adequately trained. (2) The training program must include simulated rescue or evacuation exercises and regular retraining, appropriate to the type of rescue or evacuation being provided, and training records must be kept. ## Equipment - 32.3 (1) Workers performing rescue or evacuation must wear personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the hazards likely to be encountered. (2) Harnesses must meet the requirements of the applicable standards or code issued by the International Union of Alpinist Associations, National Fire Protection Association or Canadian Standards Association. (3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, S. 69 (b).] (4) When a platform suspended from a crane or hoist or attached to a crane boom is used for rescue, an injured worker on the platform is not required to use a personal fall protection system, if (a) the worker is belted to a stretcher and the stretcher is securely fastened to the platform floor, and (b) the platform has a safety strap that will prevent the platform from falling more than 15 cm (6 in) if the platform becomes dislodged from the hook. [am. B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, S. 69.] ## Ropes - 32.4 (1) Ropes and associated rigging equipment used only for rescue or evacuation or training in such procedures must (a) - be of low stretch (static) kernmantle construction or equivalent, (b) when new, have a minimum safety factor of 10 to 1, based upon a one- person load of 140 kilograms (300 pounds), and (c) be replaced at intervals stated by the manufacturer, but not exceeding 5 years. (2) A worker suspended on a ro…

[11] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Annual review (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 8 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (c) ensure the adequacy of instruction, and (d) for respirators, assess the adequacy of exposure monitoring data and assess the need for further monitoring, and ensure the adequacy of the fit test program. [am. B.C. Regs. 185/99, S. 49; 312/2010, App. G, S. 7.] ## Instruction 8.7 The employer must ensure that a worker who wears personal protective equipment is adequately instructed in the correct use, limitations and assigned maintenance duties for the equipment to be used. ## Supervisor's responsibilities - 8.8 The supervisor must ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment is (a) available to workers, (b) properly worn when required, and (c) properly cleaned, inspected, maintained and stored. ## Worker's responsibilities - 8.9 (1) A worker who is required to use personal protective equipment must (a) use the equipment in accordance with training and instruction, (b) inspect the equipment before use, (c) refrain from wearing protective equipment outside of the work area where it is required if to do so would constitute a hazard, and (d) report any equipment malfunction to the supervisor or employer. (2) A worker who is assigned responsibility for cleaning, maintaining or storing personal protective equipment must do so in accordance with training and instruction provided. [am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, S. 50.] ## Personal clothing and accessories - 8.10 (1) The personal clothing of a worker must be of a type and in a condition which will not expose the worker to any unnecessary or avoidable hazards. (2) If there is a danger of contact with moving parts of machinery or with electrically energized equipment, or if the work process presents similar hazards (a) the clothing of the worker must fit closely about the b…

[12] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Control of hazards (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 9 - Confined Spaces ## Confined space entry program - 9.5 Before a worker is required or permitted to enter a confined space, the employer must prepare and implement a written confined space entry program which includes (a) an assignment of responsibilities, (b) a list of each confined space or group of similar spaces and a hazard assessment of those spaces, and (c) written safe work procedures for entry into and work in the confined space, that address, where applicable (i) identification and entry permits, (ii) lockout and isolation, (iii) verification and testing, (iv) cleaning, purging, venting or inerting, (v) ventilation, (vi) standby persons, (vii) rescue, (viii) lifelines, harnesses and lifting equipment, (ix) personal protective equipment and other precautions, and (x) coordination of work activities. ## Responsibilities ## Administration 9.6 The employer must assign overall responsibility for administration of the confined space entry program to a person or persons adequately trained to do so. ## Supervision - 9.7 (1) The employer must assign responsibility for supervision to a person who is adequately trained to supervise the job before any worker enters a confined space. (2) The responsible supervisor must ensure that (a) pre-entry testing and inspection is conducted based on the written procedures, (b) the precautions identified in the written procedures and the precautions required by this Regulation or which are otherwise necessary for the health and safety of workers are followed, and (c) only authorized workers enter a confined space. ## Instruction 9.8 Each person who is assigned duties or responsibilities related to entry into a confined space must be adequately instructed and trained in (a) the hazards of th…

[13] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# Occupational Health and Safety Programs (cont.) ## Contents of program (cont.) WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT B.C. Reg. 296/97 # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 3 - Rights and Responsibilities (d) provision for holding periodic management meetings for the purpose of reviewing health and safety activities and incident trends, and for the deter- mination of necessary courses of action, (e) provision for the prompt investigation of incidents to determine the action necessary to prevent their recurrence, (f) the maintenance of records and statistics, including reports of inspections and incident investigations, with provision for making this information available to the joint committee or worker health and safety representative, as applicable and, upon request, to an officer, the union representing the workers at the workplace or, if there is no union, the workers at the workplace, and (g) provision by the employer for the instruction and supervision of workers in the safe performance of their work. [am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, S. 12.] - 3.4 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 195/2015, S. 1.] ## Workplace Inspections ## General requirement - 3.5 Every employer must ensure that regular inspections are made of all workplaces, including buildings, structures, grounds, excavations, tools, equipment, machinery and work methods and practices, at intervals that will prevent the development of unsafe working conditions. [am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, S. 16.] - 3.6 Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 312/2003, App. B, S. 1.] - Special inspections - 3.7 A special inspection must be made when required by malfunction or accident. [am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, S. 16.] - Committee participation - 3.8 An inspection required by section 3.5 and a major inspection required by section 3.7 must, where feasible, include the participation of members of the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable, but (a) if there is no committee or worker health and safety …

[14] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# Workers Compensation Act # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION B.C. Reg. 296/97 ## Contents <table><tr><th colspan="2">CORE REQUIREMENTS</th></tr><tr><td>PART 1 - DEFINITIONS [section 1.1]</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>PART 2 - APPLICATION [sections 2.1-2.8] -</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>PART 3 - RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES [sections 3.1 - 3.28]</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Occupational Health and Safety Programs</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>Workplace Inspections</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Correction of Unsafe Conditions</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Refusal of Unsafe Work</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Occupational First Aid</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Young or New Workers</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Joint Health and Safety Committees</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Participation in Investigations</td><td>19</td></tr><tr><td>Schedule 3-A - Minimum Levels of First Aid</td><td>19</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">PART 4 - GENERAL CONDITIONS [sections 4.1 - 4.106]</td></tr><tr><td>Buildings, Structures and Equipment</td><td>30</td></tr><tr><td>Emergency Preparedness and Response</td><td>35</td></tr><tr><td>Impairment</td><td>37</td></tr><tr><td>Working Alone or in Isolation</td><td>37</td></tr><tr><td>Workplace Conduct</td><td>41</td></tr><tr><td>Violence in the Workplace</td><td>41</td></tr><tr><td>Work Area Requirements</td><td>42</td></tr><tr><td>Storing and Handling Materials</td><td>44</td></tr><tr><td>Ergonomics (MSI) Requirements</td><td>46</td></tr><tr><td>Work Area Guards and Handrails</td><td>48</td></tr><tr><td>Illumination</td><td>52</td></tr><tr><td>Indoor Air Quality</td><td>55</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental Tobacco Smoke and E-Cigarette Vapour</td><td>58</td></tr><tr><td>Occupational Environment Requirements</td><td>59</td></tr><tr><td>Schedule 4-A - WorkSafeBC Standard - Guardrails Using Rope or Other Non-rigid Material</td><td>60</td></tr><tr><td>GENERAL HAZARD REQUIREMENTS</td><td></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">PART 5 - CHEMICAL AGENTS AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS [section…

[15] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Minimum training requirements for new joint committee members or worker health and safety representatives (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 3 - Rights and Responsibilities (d) the requirements respecting inspections under sections 3.5, 3.7 and 3.8 of this regulation and how to make regular inspections under section 3.5 of this regulation; (e) the requirements respecting refusal of unsafe work under section 3.12 of this regulation; (f) the requirements respecting the evaluation of joint committees under section 3.26 of this regulation. (5) The instruction and training referred to in subsection (3) must include the topics described in subsection (4) (a), (c), (d) and (e). (6) Subsection (2) does not apply in respect of a person who is a member of a joint committee if (a) 2 years or less before becoming a member of the joint committee, the person was a member of that joint committee or a different joint committee, and (b) the person, as a member of the joint committee or a different joint committee as set out in paragraph (a), received at least 8 hours of instruction and training on the topics described in subsection (4). (7) Subsection (3) does not apply in respect of a person who is a worker health and safety representative at a workplace if (a) 2 years or less before becoming a worker health and safety representative at the workplace, the person was (i) a member of a joint committee, or (ii) a worker health and safety representative at that workplace or a different workplace, and (b) the person, as a member of a joint committee, or as a worker health and safety representative at the workplace or a different workplace, as set out in paragraph (a), received at least 4 hours of instruction and training on the topics described in subsection (5). (8) The employer must ensure that a person who receives instru…

[16] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## First aid attendant responsibilities (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 3 - Rights and Responsibilities (4) The first aid attendant does not have authority to overrule a worker's decision to seek medical treatment or the worker's choice of medical treatment. [en. B.C. Reg. 348/2003, S. 2; am. B.C. Reg. 132/2023, S. 7.] # Young or New Workers ## Definitions 3.22 In sections 3.23 to 3.25: "new worker" means any worker who is (a) new to the workplace, (b) returning to a workplace where the hazards in that workplace have changed during the worker's absence, (c) affected by a change in the hazards of a workplace, or (d) relocated to a new workplace if the hazards in that workplace are different from the hazards in the worker's previous workplace; "young worker" means any worker who is under 25 years of age. [en. B.C. Reg. 105/2007.] ## Young or new worker orientation and training - 3.23 (1) An employer must ensure that before a young or new worker begins work in a workplace, the young or new worker is given health and safety orientation and training specific to that young or new worker's workplace. (2) The following topics must be included in the young or new worker's orientation and training: (a) the name and contact information for the young or new worker's supervisor; (b) the employer's and young or new worker's rights and responsibilities under the Workers Compensation Act and this Regulation including the reporting of unsafe conditions and the right to refuse to perform unsafe work; (c) workplace health and safety rules; (d) hazards to which the young or new worker may be exposed, including risks from robbery, assault or confrontation; (e) working alone or in isolation; (f) violence in the workplace; (g) personal protective equipment; (h) location of first aid facilities and means of summoning first aid…

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