You have the right to health and safety training . . . Use It!

Legislation and Regulations:

Provincial:  Workers Compensation Act and OH&S Regulations
http://www.worksafebc.com/regulation_and_policy/default.asp

Federal:  Canada Labour Code Part II
http://www.rhdcc-hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/labour/health_safety/laws.shtml

Federal:  Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/SOR-86-304/index.html

Mines:  Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia
http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/HealthandSafety/Documents/HSRC2008.pdf.pdf (PDF)

Education Provisions

British Columbia employers falling under the Provincial and Federal jurisdictions have legal obligations to provide occupational health and safety training Health & Safety Committee members.

For a Joint Health and Safety Committee to function effectively, members must take appropriate education and training. Education and training should cover the information members need to assist in creating a safe and healthy workplace.

Education Entitlement (Provincial)

Workers Compensation Act – Section 135 Educational Leave

(1) Each member of a joint committee is entitled to an annual educational leave totalling 8 hours, or a longer period if prescribed by regulation, for the purposes of attending occupational health and safety training courses conducted by or with the approval of the Board.

(2) A member of the joint committee may designate another member as being entitled to take all or part of the member's educational leave.

(3) The employer must provide the educational leave under this section without loss of pay or other benefits and must pay for, or reimburse the worker for, the costs of the training course and the reasonable costs of attending the course.

Course Approval:  Workers Compensation Act Guidelines – Section 135 Section 4
Educational Leave Worksheet  

Education Entitlement (Federal)

Canada Labour Code Part II Section 125. (1) every employer shall,

(z.01) ensure that members of policy and workplace committees and health and safety representatives receive the prescribed training in health and safety and are informed of their responsibilities under this Part;

Education Entitlement (Mines)

OHSC Training 1.6.8 - Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia

Where 20 or more workers are regularly employed, the manager shall arrange for a qualified person to provide the committee with training sessions on three occasions during the year. 

BCFED Health & Safety Centre has programs at the ready to help employers meet these legal obligations.