WorkSafeBC

As construction and seasonal work ramps up across B.C., we’re joining BC Hydro to remind employers and workers that electrical safety needs to be part of every job plan, not just for electricians. WorkSafeBC data shows that from 2015 to 2025, about 74% of claims related to contact with power lines involved workers in non-electrical occupations, including construction workers, painters, window washers, surveyors, and crane or heavy equipment operators. Before starting work near overhead or underground power lines: ✅ Know the requirements and minimum approach distances ✅ Look up, look down, and identify overhead and underground lines ✅ Stay safe around power lines. 3 metres (10ft.) is the minimum recommended distance, but depending on the work you may need more space. ✅ Click or call BC 1 Call before disturbing soil ✅ Use the right equipment: Never use metal or aluminum ladders near power lines. Fiberglass ladders reduce risk but do not remove the hazard. ✅ Treat downed or damaged lines as live. Stay back 10 metres, or 33 feet, and call 911 Learn more about worker and employer responsibilities in our latest news release: http://ms.spr.ly/6044vZx8i

Employers: Our revised practice directive for assessable payroll is helping cut through confusion by clarifying exactly what needs to be tracked and reported. If your business handles tips and gratuities, this WorkSafe Magazine feature breaks down the reporting of verifiable tips and what it means for service employers. As of January 1, 2026, employers are required to track and report only verifiable tips, helping simplify reporting and create more consistent payroll assessment practices. Read the article here: http://ms.spr.ly/6045v8fPV

Don’t miss your chance to join us at the 18th annual Health Care Professional Conference on June 11 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. Register by May 30 to secure your spot for a full day of practical learning, fresh perspectives, and connection with health care professionals across disciplines. You’ll also hear from leading speakers sharing evidence-informed insights to support care, recovery, and patient outcomes. Register now and explore ways to get involved: http://ms.spr.ly/6047QvdIU

If you work for yourself, it’s important to know whether you’re covered if you’re injured on the job. Sole proprietors and partners may not be automatically covered under the Workers Compensation Act for work-related injuries or illnesses. Small business owners can apply for Personal Coverage, previously known as Personal Optional Protection (POP), that will provide access to benefits such as: ☑️Health care benefits ☑️Wage-loss benefits ☑️Vocational rehabilitation ☑️Return-to-work support Swipe through to learn more or apply at http://ms.spr.ly/6044vnG6i

Commercial fishing boats can be hazardous work environments, and the right safety resources can help crews better recognize risks and prevent injuries. An updated edition of ‘Gearing Up for Safety in Commercial Fishing’, offers practical guidance designed to make safety approachable for everyone working at sea. Here’s what’s new in our flagship health and safety book for commercial fishing: ✅ Fresh graphics and plain language to better reflect current legislation ✅ Expanded focus on new and young worker training requirements ✅ Clear, visual illustrations to support safety strategies and longer engagement. Read the updated guide and explore more safety resources for commercial fishing at http://ms.spr.ly/6049v8f1Z

Working on a ladder can be complex, but there are some simple ways to make it safer. 🛠️ Start by using a tool belt to help keep your hands free for three-point contact and make sure to work in pairs when larger items need to move up or down the ladder. Remember: Smart habits can help prevent serious injuries. Watch the full video here: http://ms.spr.ly/6043vy21S

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Student Safety Video Contest! Students across B.C. submitted more than 70 videos on the theme “Use your voice for safety,” sharing powerful messages about speaking up when you see a workplace hazard. The 2026 winners are: Grades 8 to 10 🏆 Accidents Don’t Stay Silent — Rockridge Secondary School 🏆 Voices — Partners in Education, qathet School District (SD47) Grades 11 and 12 🏆 The Book of WorkSafe Wisdom — Rockridge Secondary School 🏆 Voltage — Guildford Park Secondary School A special congratulations to The Book of WorkSafe Wisdom, which also received the Actsafe Aspiring Filmmaker Award and took first place in the national Focus on Safety Youth Video Contest. Thank you to all the students, schools, sponsors, and voters who helped make this year’s contest a success. Watch the winning videos : http://ms.spr.ly/6043vRhyl

If you’re a sole proprietor or partner, you may not be automatically covered if you’re injured at work. Personal Coverage is workplace insurance for eligible small businesses. It can help with health care costs, wage‑loss benefits, and recovery support if a workplace injury happens to you. Learn more >> http://ms.spr.ly/6043vPXjt

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: https://lnkd.in/gZauFw8v

Health professionals play a vital role in helping injured workers recover and return to work safely. At this year’s Health Care Professional Conference, Aamir Bharmal, Chief Medical Officer at WorkSafeBC, will share how the new Clinical Recovery Framework is helping bring greater consistency, shared language, and a more connected approach to recovery across B.C. ️🗓️ Thursday, June 11, 2026 📍 Westin Bayshore, Vancouver Learn more and reserve your spot: http://ms.spr.ly/6049vDkS9