BC's Construction Health & Safety Association
Welcome to 2024!
 
Happy New Year to all BCCSA members as we welcome new opportunities, and meet new challenges.
 
After a brief holiday pause, the BC construction industry continues to fire on all cylinders, with work ranging from home renovation to energy and infrastructure mega projects.
 
Last year, we continued to inform members about the January 1, 2024 certification deadline for two important regulations. That day has arrived.
 
Asbestos abatement workers, or construction workers who are likely to be exposed to asbestos as a result of their work, must now be certified to remain compliant with current regulations. Workers who haven’t yet been certified should enroll in a training program as soon as possible. The BCCSA has developed an Asbestos Control Training program in conjunction with the BC Ministry of Labour, WorkSafeBC, and industry stakeholders to help workers achieve compliance.
 
All concrete pump operators must also be certified by January 1, 2024. Concrete pump operators in BC can be certified by completing the Certified Concrete Pump Operator program, which consists of a written and practical exam. Workers who aren’t currently compliant and haven’t yet begun the certification process should register with the CCPO program as soon as possible by visiting the following link.
 
The final amendment to Bill 41 also comes into force on January 1, 2024. This amendment adds a legal duty for workers and employers to cooperate in the worker’s early and safe return to work, as well as a legal duty for employers with 20 or more workers to maintain the employment of injured workers who have been employed with them for at least 12 months. Read more about what this new regulation means to employers.
 
The new year also introduces the availability of the BCCSA’s new 1-Day TCP Online Renewal Course. Check it out here.
 
Finally, last year, we made a New Year’s resolution to completely update and redesign the BCCSA website by the beginning of 2024. It’s here! We believe the new design is easier to navigate and makes safety simpler to access. Let us know what you think!


As always, we welcome your feedback!
Meet new Lower Mainland RSA: Jerry Parmar
BCCSA Regional Safety Advisor (RSA) Jerry Parmar was born and raised in Prince George. He was inspired to pursue a career in safety while working part-time in a local sawmill while attending university.

“They had a weekend shift for students,” he recalls. “But my role evolved from labourer to first aid attendant and finally a safety captain. I was taking chemistry and sciences at university and wondered what my career path would be like. I decided to stay with safety when I discovered the occupational health and safety program at BCIT.” Read full bio
Bulletin
WorkSafeBC will be holding a public hearing for proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

The virtual public hearing will be streamed live on January 10, 2024, in two sessions.
The first will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second from 3 to 5 p.m.

Further information on how to view or participate in the virtual public hearing will be provided closer to the hearing date. These details will be posted on their website and communicated by enews.

You can access the proposed amendments, along with explanatory notes, using the links below:

Public hearings provide stakeholders an opportunity to comment on proposed regulatory amendments. We welcome your feedback on these amendments either by written submission or by participation in the virtual public hearing. Written submissions will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024.


Certified Concrete Pump Operator Competency Certification
Asbestos Worker Certification
Come January 1, 2024...If you work with asbestos in construction, this new certification program provides a path to a safer future.

The BC government has recently unveiled a requirement for mandatory certification of all asbestos abatement workers and those who are likely to come into contact with asbestos as part of their work in the BC construction industry. It’s the first certification of its kind in Canada and aims to safeguard construction workers and ensure their well-being. Learn More
Featured Safety Course
Construction Safety Legislation & Admin

This two-day course is designed for owners, supervisors, joint health and safety committee members, safety administrators and those pursuing the National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO™) designation. The class explains BC's OHS legislation as it pertains to construction safety and explores the roles and responsibilities of a construction safety professional in program administration and communication.

Date: January 29 & 30, 2024
Location: Valley First Aid - #101 - 20540 Duncan Way, Langley BC
Time: 8:00am to 4:00pm

Please click here for a Course Overview

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BCCSA Head Office
#400, 625 Agnes Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 5Y4
Tel: 604-636-3675
TF: 1-877-860-3675