Blog Post #1596 – B.C. Plans to License Asbestos Contractors, Require Mandatory Training and Certification for Workers

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine (Spring 2022)

British Columbia has introduced legislation designed to help workers safe from asbestos.

Bill 5 – 2022: Workers Compensation Amendment Act proposes a list of new protections. It would require asbestos abatement contractors to be licensed to operate in B.C.

In addition, any workers and employers who perform this work must complete mandatory safety training and certification, according to a press release from WorkSafeBC.

The bill is currently being considered by the Legislative Assembly Upon passage of the bill. WorkSafeBC will implement the new requirements, which would include:

• Developing the standards that asbestos safety training and certification programs must comply with
• Developing a licensing scheme for abatement contractors
• Amending the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to align with the changes to Workers Compensation Act, and support the certification and licensing schemes
• Identifying who will act as the training and certifying bodies for asbestos abatement workers

“We will share details of our implementation plan as it progresses,” WorkSafeBC said in a press release. “Active participation from workers, employers, and other stakeholders will play a key role in shaping the province’s asbestos abatement safety training program, So consultation and opportunities to provide input will be key elements of our plan.”

Update: from the BC Gov. News

New rules to enhance safety for workers doing asbestos removal, transportation and disposal will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

The rules will require asbestos-abatement employers to be licensed and ensure their workers are certified to perform this work. B.C. is the first jurisdiction in Canada to enforce a formal licensing program related to asbestos.

WorkSafeBC has the authority to oversee the employer licensing program as well as worker certification. WorkSafeBC started accepting licence applications in September 2023 and an online registry of licensed employers is now available. The required training for worker certification was launched in June 2023, so that workers can be certified by Jan. 1, 2024.

To keep workers and the public safe from the dangers of asbestos, changes were made to the Workers Compensation Act in 2022 to strengthen regulatory requirements for asbestos-abatement work. Employers and workers have been given sufficient time to comply with the new rules.

Quick Facts:

• Asbestos abatement work includes removing, repairing, transporting and disposing of asbestos or materials that may contain asbestos.
• Employers and workers should visit the WorkSafeBC website if the work they do requires a licence or a certificate.
• Asbestos-related diseases are the number 1 cause of workplace-related deaths in B.C., more than any other type of workplace injury or illness.
  • In 2022, asbestos exposure was a contributing factor in 61 of 181 workplace deaths.
  • Over the past decade, WorkSafeBC accepted more than 500 claims for workers who were killed by occupational disease related to asbestos exposure.

I was glad to see a licensing program for asbestos abatement somewhere in Canada. I hope our government of Ontario looks to do the same thing. Mind you, Ontario has had mandatory training for asbestos-abatement for quite a while. Ontario reg. 278/05: Designated Substance – ‘Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations’ governs the need for asbestos abatement, especially in the demolition or reconstruction of old buildings. Once found, even the suggestion that there may BE asbestos, the work must stop. A 3^rd party needs to come in and take air samples to determine the amount. The acceptable level sits at .1f/cc. (extremely low)

Reg. 278/05, section 20 states,

20. (1) “The employer shall ensure that,

(a) every worker involved in a Type 3 operation has successfully completed the Asbestos Abatement Worker Training Program approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development; and

(b) every supervisor of a worker involved in a Type 3 operation has successfully completed the Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Training Program approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.”

(2) “The employer shall ensure that every worker and supervisor successfully complete the appropriate program required under subsection (1) before performing or supervising the work to which the program relates.”

(3) “A document issued by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, showing that a worker has successfully completed a program mentioned in subsection (1), is conclusive proof, for the purposes of this section, of his or her successful completion of the program.”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Asbestos Safety Awareness’.

Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at info@hrsgroup.com

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.