Blog Post #928 – ACT Under Review in British Columbia

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

British Columbia is revisiting the Worker’s Compensation Act (WCA) to make it easier to understand.

A WorkSafeBC statement on June 27, 2018 says the proposed revisions, which will focus on the language and numbering of the Act and reorganize information so that specific laws are easier to find, will not alter the Act’s legal effect concerning workers’ compensation, Occupational Health & Safety and employers’ assessment premiums.

The proposed revised Act has to be approved by the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. If approved, the revised Act will take effect on March 1, 2019.

According to the provincial government, the Act has been revised many times over the years with no provisions added in some existing provisions repealed and replaced. These changes have affected the organization of the act and made it difficult for readers to find the information they need. Many existing provisions are old and not written in the modern standards for legislative drafting.

Under the statute revisions act, which establishes a mandate for the Chief Legislative Council of British Columbia to consolidate and reorganize the province’s Acts into more coherent and readable documents, the Legislative Council has identified the WCA as among those in need of revision.

My opinion

Any set of provincial regulations dealing with issues is usually updated periodically when new additions or deletions are necessary to keep up with the changing world. Here we have one of the safest provinces, British Columbia, dealing with those exact issues with the health and safety legislation of the time.

In Ontario, the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) and sector regulations are usually updated every year or as necessary. At the present, Ontario is looking to add working at heights legislation to the industrial sector regulation 851/90. This sector would be the second one (construction being the first) with changes for controls when workers are dealing with ‘Working at Height’ issues.

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

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