WorkSafeBC

05/29/2026

As construction and seasonal work ramps up across B.C., we’re joining BC Hydro to remind employers and workers that electrical safety needs to be part of every job plan, not just for electricians.

WorkSafeBC data shows that from 2015 to 2025, about 74% of claims related to contact with power lines involved workers in non-electrical occupations, including construction workers, painters, window washers, surveyors, and crane or heavy equipment operators.

Before starting work near overhead or underground power lines:

✅ Know the requirements and minimum approach distances
✅ Look up, look down, and identify overhead and underground lines
✅ Stay at least 3 metres, or 10 feet, away from power lines. Depending on the task, a greater distance may be required under the Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.
✅ Click or call BC 1 Call before disturbing soil
✅ Use the right equipment: Never use metal or aluminum ladders near power lines. Fiberglass ladders reduce risk but do not remove the hazard.
✅ Treat downed or damaged lines as live. Stay back 10 metres, or 33 feet, and call 911

Learn more about worker and employer responsibilities in our latest news release: http://ms.spr.ly/6183vZx89

05/28/2026

Employers: Our revised practice directive for assessable payroll is helping cut through confusion by clarifying exactly what needs to be tracked and reported.

If your business handles tips and gratuities, this WorkSafe Magazine feature breaks down the reporting of verifiable tips and what it means for service employers.

As of January 1, 2026, employers are required to track and report only verifiable tips, helping simplify reporting and create more consistent payroll assessment practices.

Read the article here: http://ms.spr.ly/6187v8fPX

05/21/2026

Commercial fishing boats can be hazardous work environments, and the right safety resources can help crews better recognize risks and prevent injuries. An updated edition of ‘Gearing Up for Safety in Commercial Fishing’, offers practical guidance designed to make safety approachable for everyone working at sea.

Here’s what’s new in our flagship health and safety book for commercial fishing:
✅ Fresh graphics and plain language to better reflect current legislation
✅ Expanded focus on new and young worker training requirements
✅ Clear, visual illustrations to support safety strategies and longer engagement.

Read the updated guide and explore more safety resources for commercial fishing at http://ms.spr.ly/6180v8f1w

05/20/2026

Working on a ladder can be complex, but there are some simple ways to make it safer. 🛠️

Start by using a tool belt to help keep your hands free for three-point contact and make sure to work in pairs when larger items need to move up or down the ladder.

Remember: Smart habits can help prevent serious injuries. Watch the full video here: http://ms.spr.ly/6186vy214

05/19/2026

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Student Safety Video Contest!

Students across B.C. submitted more than 70 videos on the theme “Use your voice for safety,” sharing powerful messages about speaking up when you see a workplace hazard.

The 2026 winners are:

Grades 8 to 10
🏆 Accidents Don’t Stay Silent — Rockridge Secondary School
🏆 Voices — Partners in Education, Qathet school district

Grades 11 and 12
🏆 The Book of WorkSafe Wisdom — Rockridge Secondary School
🏆 Voltage — Guildford Park Secondary School

A special congratulations to The Book of WorkSafe Wisdom, which also received the Actsafe Aspiring Filmmaker Award and took first place in the national Focus on Safety Youth Video Contest.

Thank you to all the students, schools, sponsors, and voters who helped make this year’s contest a success.

Watch the winning videos : http://ms.spr.ly/6181vRNSx

05/13/2026

Noise-cancelling isn’t the same as hearing protection. 🎧

Personal audio devices may block out distractions, but that doesn’t mean they protect your hearing on the job. Learn more about hearing protection at work in this quick video from WorkSafeBC occupational audiologist Sasha Brown.

If you or someone you know uses noise-cancelling headphones at work, watch and share this video, or read the full article in the spring issue of WorkSafe Magazine: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/news-events/worksafe-magazine/articles/2026/spring/ask-an-officer-can-workers-wear-personal-audio-devices-as-hearing-protection

05/11/2026

Securing loads properly is an important part of keeping workers and the public safe on B.C. roads.

Join Road Safety at Work for a free Ask an Expert Q&A on load securement, where industry experts will answer questions, discuss common cargo securement mistakes, and share practical guidance for preventing incidents.

Register for the May 13 session below: ⬇️

Join our first Ask an Expert Q&A!
Here’s your chance to attend a live and interactive conversation with industry experts in road safety.
This session’s topic is all about load securement and preventing common cargo securement mistakes.
If you attended our most recent webinar on the topic, we’ll cover questions we couldn’t get to plus address real scenarios that matter to you.
📆 May 13
⏲️ 11:00 AM
📍 https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2117761076646/WN__b3Z3VncSOunNJuFWkrZQA
Registration is always free.

05/08/2026

Being prepared is part of building a safe and healthy workplace. 🦺

This week is Emergency Preparedness Week, and this year's theme is "Be Prepared. Know Your Risks." That work starts by having a plan in place before an emergency happens.

Under B.C.'s workplace health and safety legislation, employers are required to have an emergency response plan. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are three key steps to get started:

✅ Visit http://ms.spr.ly/6189v3LMb to learn about risks specific to your workplace
✅ Create and communicate a response plan with your team
✅ Assemble and maintain an emergency kit on-site

You can also visit http://ms.spr.ly/6181v3LMd to identify local risks, build a workplace emergency plan, and update your kit.

Take some time this week to make sure you and your team know what to do in an emergency, and let’s keep every worker in B.C. informed, prepared, and ready to respond.

05/08/2026

Roadside work safety should start even before workers arrive on site. That planning is crucial to protecting workers from the all-too-common risk of being struck by a vehicle.

Read how risk assessments, traffic control plans, effective supervision, and clear worker orientation help protect workers from traffic hazards

For more information on working around traffic, visit http://ms.spr.ly/6185v84B3

This article focuses on practical steps employers can take to prevent struck-by incidents around mobile equipment.

05/07/2026

“Construction Safety Week highlights the progress we’ve made in improving safety on worksites, but known and emerging risks continue to result in injuries to workers, showing there is more work to be done.” says Todd McDonald, head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC.

From 2021 to 2025, WorkSafeBC accepted approximately:

▪️ 38,000 claims in construction
▪️ 7,400 serious injury claims
▪️ More than $1.3 billion in total claim costs

The most common injury type continues to be musculoskeletal injury, with nearly 11,000 claims caused by overexertion and other bodily motions.

Falls from elevation and struck-by incidents also remain major risks, with nearly 5,800 claims related to falls and nearly 7,000 involving workers being struck by objects, equipment, or vehicles.

Read our latest news release for more information and access to construction safety resources: http://ms.spr.ly/6189vMksx

The first week of May marks Construction Safety Week, a time to reflect on the measurable progress made in B.C.’s construction sector over the past decade, and to re-commit to safer workplaces.