Occupational Health and Safety

September 1, 2008

Number of deaths climbed in 2007 says B.C. Safety Authority

In 2007, there were 329 reported incidents that were directly related to regulated equipment or operations according to the annual report.

August 27, 2008

Unionized construction workers in British Columbia subject to new drug policy

Unionized construction workers, who have a problem with drinking or getting high on the job, are being targeted by a new drug testing program, which is the first of its kind in Canada.

August 20, 2008

WorkSafeBC expects drop in base assessment rates for construction industry

For the third year in a row, most WorkSafeBC base assessment rates will drop for employers in B.C.’s construction industry.

August 20, 2008

Canadian Demolition Safety Manual ready for distribution

The Canadian demolition industry’s first-ever safety manual has been published and industry representatives continue to make further inroads with the National Demolition Association (NDA) in the United States.

August 13, 2008

Ontario inspectors conduct jobsite safety blitz aimed at younger workers

Ontario inspectors are now blitzing worksites and locations across the province in order to make an immediate impact on improving health and safety, said Ontario’s labour minister.

July 30, 2008

COCA president stands behind WorkSafeBC’s claims statistics

WorkSafeBC 2007 statistics indicate there were fewer claims for injury accidents and survival benefits per 1,000 employees than ever recorded in the history of the construction industry.

July 16, 2008

EllisDon’s South Health Campus project sets record as largest contract in company history

On July 17, 2008, EllisDon announced that the company recently signed a $1.076-billion contract with Calgary Health Region to construct Phase 1 of the new South Health Campus in Calgary.

July 7, 2008

Many questions, no answers in death of young worker crushed by forklift

Mitchell Tanner, 16, was killed on June 7 at the Rona Building Centre in St. Albert. According to media reports, Tanner was a passenger on a forklift, which was being operated by a 17-year-old, when it tipped over and crushed him. The incident is still under investigation by police and provincial officials.

July 2, 2008

Initiative aims to educate workers in Alberta

Temporary foreign workers in Alberta are being encouraged to learn their workplace rights.

June 25, 2008

Labour groups oppose WorkSafeBC’s proposed changes to tunnel safety regulations

Two groups representing unionized construction workers in British Columbia are voicing their opposition to proposed changes to safety regulations for tunneling.