WorkSafeBC

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: ms.spr.ly/6010v8Fqj

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

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 ms.spr.ly/6016v3LMk 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 ms.spr.ly/6010v3LMj 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.

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 ms.spr.ly/6013v84Bz

“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: ms.spr.ly/6012vMks0 #ConstructionSafetyWeek #ConstructionSafety

This Construction Safety Week, we’re recognizing the progress made across B.C.’s construction sector and the continued work needed to keep people safe. Over the past decade, the overall time-loss injury rate in construction has declined by 25%, reflecting stronger safety planning, training, supervision, and hazard management across the industry. But construction remains one of B.C.’s highest-risk sectors, and safer worksites depend on everyone doing their part: identifying hazards, applying effective controls, and speaking up when something doesn’t look right. Learn more in our latest news release: ms.spr.ly/6015vMkjR #ConstructionSafetyWeek #ConstructionSafety

Ladder safety always matters, even at smaller sizes.🪜 From stockrooms to back-of-house spaces, if you’re using a step-ladder, make sure you follow these three important safety steps: ✓ Clear the area and remove all clutter and distractions ✓ Make sure the ladder is fully opened and locked on a firm, level surface ✓ Maintain 3three-point contact with the ladder Always choose the right ladder for the job and use it safely. Learn more by watching the full video.

Today, we honour all those who have lost their lives due to workplace injury or disease in B.C. Wherever you are, we encourage you to take a moment today to pause and remember. You can learn more about the Day of Mourning at ms.spr.ly/6011QhjKb #DayofMourning

Mobile equipment and pedestrians can be a dangerous mix without the right controls in place. See how two major B.C. forest-products employers are using designated walkways, barriers, controlled crossings, and other safety measures to build safer pathways for workers, contractors, and visitors. Because every workplace has a unique configuration of equipment and traffic flow, you can also access a downloadable practical template to help map out hazards and select effective control systems for your worksite. Read the full article here: ms.spr.ly/6012v80Ca

Asbestos remains a serious hazard in older buildings across B.C., especially during renovation, maintenance, and demolition work. It’s Construction and Skilled Trades Month, and we’re now two years into B.C.’s mandatory licensing and certification framework for asbestos abatement. The impact is becoming clear: Nearly 600 employers have now been licensed and more than 11,000 worker certificates have been issued, helping to strengthen accountability, identify high-risk work, and protect workers before exposure occurs. For employers, prevention starts before work begins: make sure to verify licences, confirm worker qualifications, and have the right controls in place. You can learn more about how asbestos licensing is changing the industry in the Spring 2026 issue of WorkSafe Magazine: ms.spr.ly/6012Q42Ln

Day of Mourning ceremonies are expected to take place across the province on Tuesday, April 28. Please note that this year's provincial Day of Mourning ceremony, led by the @bcfed will take place on the steps of the Legislature in Victoria at 12:15 p.m. on April 28. The ceremony will not take place at Jack Poole Plaza in Vancouver, where it has been held in previous years. To find a list of ceremonies across the province, visit ms.spr.ly/6015vEOcH.

For vocational rehabilitation consultant Barb Heine, losing her dad in a workplace accident was unthinkable, and it wrapped her in grief. She reflects on her loss and how the Day of Mourning reminds her to be present with the people she loves. Learn more about her story: ms.spr.ly/6019v8MB9 #DayofMourning

Using an extension ladder on the job? These three quick steps can help you climb safer. During Construction and Skilled Trades Month in B.C., we’re highlighting practical safety guidance for workers and employers across the province, starting with three important reminders for safer extension ladder use: 1️⃣ Secure the ladder against a stable surface 2️⃣ Follow the 4-to-1 rule 3️⃣ Ensure the ladder extends at least three feet above the landing area Want to learn more? Not sure what the 4-to-1 rule is? Learn more by watching the full video: ms.spr.ly/6019vDgYZ #ConstructionMonth2026 #ConstructionSafety #LadderSafety

In December 1984, while training as a horse racing jockey, service coordinator Mike Stiles sustained an injury that would forever alter his life. As we approach the Day of Mourning, Mike reflects on his return-to-work journey and the importance of safety. Learn more about his story: ms.spr.ly/6013v8zhz #DayofMourning

Last year, workplace injuries and diseases claimed the lives of 138 workers in British Columbia. Traumatic fatalities accounted for 59 of these deaths. 41 were caused by incidents at worksites, and 18 were the result of motor vehicle incidents. Occupational disease remained the single leading cause of deaths for workers last year, taking 79 lives — 36 due to an asbestos-related illness. Behind every number is a person. A family. A community. And every injury, disease, and death serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility employers have to make workplaces in B.C. healthy and safe. You can learn more about the Day of Mourning at ms.spr.ly/6018QhbfO #DayofMourning

If you’ve been injured at work, we want to help you as soon as possible. With our online reporting tool, it’s now easier for workers to report most workplace injuries — any time, from any device. Here’s what makes it easy and convenient: ✔ Simple, guided questions that walk you through each step ✔ Progress saves automatically, so you can come back anytime ✔ Works on your phone or computer, wherever you are Learn more: ms.spr.ly/6016QCtwK

April is Construction and Skilled Trades Month in B.C. and we’re recognizing the contributions of the thousands of workers who help build and maintain the homes, communities, and infrastructure across our province. As we celebrate the people behind this important work, it’s also a time to raise awareness about the need for strong health and safety culture on every job site. If you work in construction, visit our dedicated industry page for more safety information and resources: ms.spr.ly/6015Q4FIV

Taking part in the Day of Mourning can be as simple as peeling a sticker. Free posters and decals for the 2026 Day of Mourning are now available to order. Displaying them in the workplace is an easy, visible way to honour those who’ve been lost and to show your commitment to health and safety. Order yours now at ms.spr.ly/6012QNHKK. #DayofMourning

We want to hear from you. WorkSafeBC is holding an online public hearing on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation on April 21, 2026 (11 a.m.–1 p.m and 3–5 p.m.) • Parts 4, 13, 14, 20, 28, and 31 — Periodic Certification as Safe for Use • Part 8, Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment — Respirators: Face seal • Part 12, Tools, Machinery and Equipment — Automotive Lifts and Other Vehicle Supports Register to speak: 604.232.7744 or 1.866.614.7744 Watch live or share feedback: worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/…

Hi Wendy, thank you for reaching out to us with your question. Can you send us a DM with more info along with your contact information? We can ask our prevention team to look into this and ask an officer to contact you directly. Alternatively, you can also connect with a prevention officer directly by calling 604.276.3100 or 1.888.621.7233 (Toll-free).

@WorkSafeBC Two weeks ago, I called WorkSafe with a question: Is there a policy of a limit to the distance large garbage and cardboard bins are pushed before being emptied? It took awhile for the person I asked this to, for her to even understand the question. No idea why that