Running a trades business isn’t just about delivering quality work—it’s about ensuring your crew gets home safely every day. WorkSafeBC regulations exist to protect workers, but failing to comply can mean hefty fines, work stoppages, and even legal consequences. Staying ahead of these requirements doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide will cut through the jargon and give you the key points you need to keep your business compliant and your team safe.
Why Should You Care?
Because WorkSafeBC does. And so do your employees. Ignoring safety regulations can lead to serious fines, costly claims, and even criminal liability. WorkSafeBC is responsible for enforcing workplace safety rules, and they don’t take violations lightly (WorkSafeBC, 2024).
Let’s go over the key compliance areas you need to lock down before you find yourself on the wrong side of an investigation.
Safety Training—Not Just a One-Time Thing
Your crew might know their trade inside and out, but that doesn’t mean they’re up to speed on safety protocols. WorkSafeBC requires ongoing safety training for all employees, from apprentices to seasoned journeymen (WorkSafeBC, 2024).
What You Need to Do:
- Provide regular safety training on equipment, fall protection, hazardous materials, and emergency procedures.
- Keep training logs up to date—if an incident happens, WorkSafeBC will ask for proof.
- Ensure new hires get a proper safety orientation before stepping onto a job site.
🚨 Real-World Consequences: The Kamloops Case
Take the case of a Kamloops roofing company fined $20,000 after a worker fell from a two-story home without proper fall protection (WorkSafeBC, 2023). The company failed to provide harnesses and did not conduct a site hazard assessment—two major violations of BC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The result? A serious injury, a hefty fine, and a damaged reputation.
Lesson Learned:
- If your workers are at risk of falling more than 3 meters, they need fall protection.
- Supervisors must enforce safety rules—ignoring them doesn’t make you exempt from liability.
Incident Reporting—No Cover-Ups
When an injury happens on-site, you need to report it—immediately. WorkSafeBC requires that all serious incidents be reported within 48 hours (WorkSafeBC, 2024). Delaying or failing to report can result in additional penalties.
What Counts as a Reportable Incident?
- Any injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
- Near-misses that could have resulted in a serious injury.
- Equipment failures that put workers at risk.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—No Excuses
You wouldn’t send your guys out without tools—so why let them work without the right protective gear? WorkSafeBC mandates that employers provide and enforce PPE use (WorkSafeBC, 2024).
What This Means for You:
- Hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed boots are non-negotiable on most sites.
- Respirators must be available for workers handling hazardous materials.
- Eye and ear protection should be standard for loud and debris-heavy work.
Final Thoughts: Compliance = Fewer Headaches
WorkSafeBC compliance isn’t about making life harder—it’s about keeping your crew safe and your business out of trouble. A little effort upfront saves you from massive fines, stop-work orders, and potential lawsuits.
If you need help navigating WorkSafeBC regulations, a fractional HR consultant might be the right fit. Get expert support without the full-time cost—and stay ahead of compliance before WorkSafeBC comes knocking.
Rebelution HR Consulting can help. 📣 Call 778-200-7323 today to get expert guidance on keeping your business compliant and your team safe.
Rebelution HR Consulting LTD. 