WorkSafeBC: B.C. proposes new asbestos abatement requirements under Workers Compensation Act

The provincial government recently introduced Bill 5 – 2022: Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2022, which proposes new protections to help...

WorkSafeBC: B.C. proposes new asbestos abatement requirements under Workers Compensation Act

The provincial government recently introduced Bill 5 – 2022: Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2022, which proposes new protections to help keep workers safe from the danger of asbestos.

The proposed amendments include the establishment of requirements that asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed to operate in British Columbia, and that workers and employers who perform this work must complete mandatory safety training and certification.

The bill is currently being considered by the Legislative Assembly. Upon passage of the bill, WorkSafeBC will implement the new requirements, which would include:

  • Developing the standards that asbestos safety training and certification programs must comply with
  • Developing a licensing scheme for abatement contractors
  • Amending the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to align with the changes to the Workers Compensation Act, and support the certification and licensing schemes
  • Identifying who will act as the training and certifying bodies for asbestos abatement workers

We will share details of our implementation plan as it progresses. Active participation from workers, employers, and other stakeholders will play a key role in shaping the province’s asbestos abatement safety training and certification program, so consultation and opportunities to provide input will be key elements of our plan.

Please continue to check worksafebc.com for further updates.

For more information

The proposed legislative changes were developed in response to a report prepared by the government’s cross-ministry asbestos working group, which you can read here.

See the following for more information on the hazards of asbestos exposure and our prevention activities to address this issue:

Source: WorkSafeBC

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