If you work as a construction worker in Vancouver, you know that your job comes with inherent risks. From heights to heavy machinery, there are many potential hazards on a construction site. While safety protocols are in place to minimize these risks, accidents can and do still happen. When they do, it's essential to investigate what went wrong to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The construction skyline of Vancouver is dotted with cranes, symbols of growth and development. However, the recent surge in crane accidents casts a shadow over this urban expansion. As construction workers and employers in British Columbia, it is crucial to recognize this worrying trend and understand the implications for workplace safety.

An accident on the job can happen to anyone at any time. However, certain hazards can be far more common during the winter months. Knowing what these are allows employers to take proactive steps to prevent them and helps workers identify and avoid them.

Gig work is an increasingly significant part of Canada's economy, and the tens of thousands of people who work in these jobs are a crucial element of the workforce. However, these individuals don't have the same protections as Canadian employees protected under federal and provincial laws. For example, they do not have as much job security compared to other employees. In addition, gig workers face a number of workplace accidents.

Workplace accidents and injuries can happen anytime, during any season. However, some conditions are more likely to present a danger to workers during certain times of the year. With that in mind, workers may want to prepare for certain spring-related factors that could create risks on the job.

Every occupation comes with some injury risk, whether someone sits behind a desk or works in a safety-sensitive work environment. No matter where a work-related accident happens, it can have a tremendous impact on workers and their families. Below, we look at some occupational injury statistics that can help employers and employees appreciate the importance of prioritizing safety in every workspace.

Workplace safety is a concern for all workers, employers and their loved ones. Young adults and teenagers can gain great experience from working, but they may not be prepared to manage certain hazards on the job. To respond to this issue, British Columbia is enacting new rules by setting out minimum ages for hazardous work.

A new provincial regulation requires employers to inform workers about the reason employees refused to partake in work due to safety concerns. The regulation was put forth in an Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) amendment, effective August 2022.

When it comes to preventing workplace accidents in British Columbia, a great deal of responsibility falls on employers. Their policies as well as their follow-through will often be thoroughly examined if a worker is hurt. However, they are not the only ones with obligations when it comes to safety. Here is a general overview of the responsibilities different parties carry to keep a workplace safe. 

Statistics indicate that approximately one in 10 occupational diseases or injuries in Canada cause brain trauma. Of those injuries, could have been prevented. There are also a number of grey areas when it comes to reporting these type of injuries, which can lead to confusion and issues with workers’ compensation claims.

Pursuant to section 68(1)(a) of the British Columbia Workers Compensation Act (the "Act"), employers in British Columbia must inform WorkSafeBC immediately of the occurrence of certain workplace accidents, such as where a worker is seriously injured or killed on the job.

The rise in incidents of violence against frontline workers in British Columbia and other provinces is a matter of concern. A recent incident at a McDonald's location was reportedly not the workers’ first exposure to violence. Staff at the branch said it was not an isolated incident but rather that they experience the wrath of customers almost every day.

Drug testing happens before and during many jobs throughout the country. While such tests may seem straightforward, the results aren't always as cut and dried as you might think.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal within minutes. Any workplace where fuel-powered engines run could be a hazardous area where employees could be overwhelmed by this deadly gas.

WorkSafeBC recently announced updates to safety protocols for residential construction work. It released a new publication - entitled Safe Work Practices for Residential Construction - as well as a Notice of Project (NOP) postcard.

As the temperatures increase, so do summer-related workplace hazards. Canadian employees, both those who work indoors and out, should be aware of seasonal risks.

After reaching full maturity at about 25 years, the body starts to undergo slow changes. The changes are typically only noticeable between 40 and 50 years of age. An older worker's years of experience might make him or her less likely to suffer a workplace injury. However, older workers may take longer to recover if a workplace injury occurs.

Workplace injury statistics show that an average of one million occupational injuries and illnesses are reported across the country each year, including in British Columbia. Safety authorities say almost every workplace injury is preventable, and approximately 10% of work-related accidents lead to brain injuries.

Employees who believe they are victims of pay equity violations might have questions about their legal rights. Under the Canada Human Rights Act, which applies to employees working for federally regulated employers such as banks, airlines, Crown corporations, and other organizations, there are express provisions requiring pay equity in the workplace.

As a manager, you have a lot of responsibilities. One of those responsibilities includes providing a safe and respectful work environment for your employees. This not only involves treating your employees with respect yourself - it also involves taking steps to prevent or correct observed bullying on your team.