Days are getting shorter, and three reasons why January 1, 2024 matters
Depending on your location in BC, there’s quite a difference in the number of daylight hours that construction crews experience. On September 1, 2023, Vancouver crews get the short end of the stick at a little more than 13 hours and 26 minutes, with Kitimat ahead at 13 hours and 42 minutes. Fort. St. John triumphs at 13 hours and 51 minutes.
Differences aside, one thing’s for sure — as we head into fall, daylight working hours are getting shorter for everybody, even as construction activity continues full out. Be mindful of the need to keep site lighting bright and to wear reflective gear that maximizes visibility.
We’ve been focusing a lot of attention on January 1, 2024, and now that date has taken on importance for three reasons.
Reason #1: January 1, 2024 is the deadline by which all asbestos abatement workers, and those construction workers who are likely to be exposed to asbestos as a result of their work, must be certified to continue working in those environments. It’s the law!
Workers can now enroll in one of two certification levels appropriate to the work they do by following this link to the BCCSA Asbestos Control Training (ACT) web page. On this page, they can find all of the information they need to get started with online training, a skills assessment and a final certification exam.
Level 1 Foundational Awareness
- 101 Asbestos Awareness: 1 CPD point
- 201 Responsibilities, PPE & Disposal: 2 CPD points
Level 2 Asbestos Safety
- 301 Moderate Risk Exposure Work: 2 CPD points
- 401 High-Risk Exposure Work: 2 CPD points
Reason #2: All asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed by WorkSafeBC by January 1, 2024. WorkSafeBC will begin accepting applications starting September 1, 2023.
Reason #3: January 1, 2024 is the deadline for concrete pump operators in the province to receive their CCPO certification. Starting on that date, it will be required that anyone who operates a concrete pump in BC must be certified. There’s still time to be certified. Visit the BCCSA’s CCPO website at www.ccpo.ca today.
Enjoy Labour Day weekend—you earned it!
