Introduction

In most provinces, one or more agencies are responsible for safe, healthful working environments at job sites. These organizations normally have names such as the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) or the Occupational Health and Safety Department. WorkSafeBC is the provincial organization that promotes workplace health and safety for workers and employers in BC. When a work-related injury, disease, or death occurs, WorkSafeBC collaborates with those involved to provide return-to-work rehabilitation, health-care benefits, compensation, and a range of other services. WorkSafeBC also consults with and educates employers and workers on safe work practices. This includes monitoring workplaces within its jurisdiction.

There are a number of documents that are covered in this Competency, as listed below. All of these must be complied with to ensure a safe work   environment.

• The Workers Compensation Act (WCA) is the provincial legislation that authorizes and guides WorkSafeBC (the Workers’ Compensation Board of BC). The WCA also explains the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers concerning health and safety.
• The Hazardous Products Act is federal legislation that defines the materials that are to be included in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). This information will be covered later in this line as a separate competency.
• The OHS Regulation contains the legal requirements that all workplaces must meet under the inspection jurisdiction of WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC regularly reviews the requirements of the OHS Regulation based on experience and on changes in knowledge, technology, and work practices.
• The OHS Guidelines are intended to help provide ways to comply with legislation, not to provide exclusive interpretations. They can supply information on technical matters necessary to effectively and consistently apply the Act and Regulations. As the OHS Guidelines are dynamic documents, with regular updates and additions, they are best maintained and accessed online.