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According to WorkSafe BC, Workers with pre-existing conditions may have reasonable cause to believe that working in smoky conditions is unsafe. Workers need to follow the Refusal of Unsafe Work reporting procedure and Employers need to Investigate OHS Guideline G3.12 https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-guidelines/guidelines-part-03#SectionNumber:G3.12

In British Columbia, wildfires and smoke are becoming more frequent and severe as the climate changes.

What's in wildfire smoke? It is a complex mixture of gases and particles that interact and change as they move away from the fire. The individual particles in wildfire smoke are very small, but they tend to stick together as they travel away from the fire. Of all the pollutants in wildfire smoke, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses the greatest risk to human health. The microscopic soot particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they may cause inflammation and irritation. Volatile organic compounds and other gases can also irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Read more at BC CDC.

How can it affect me? Exposure to air pollution can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, and alter immune function.​

Updates on Standards for Safety Headgear and Respirators came into effect April 1, 2026

Find out more on WorkSafe BC's site, under Resources here.

Photo credit: WorkSafeBC https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/combustible-dust

The amendments relate to Combustible Dusts and Standards Updates. Strikethrough versions of the amendments with explanatory notes can be accessed below. Deletions in the regulatory amendments are identified with a strikethrough and additions are in bold text and highlighted in yellow.

• Part 6, Substance Specific Requirements, Combustible Dusts;
  Approved amendments with explanatory notesThese amendments will come into effect on January 4, 2027.
• Parts 8 and 31, Standards Updates;
  Approved amendments with explanatory notesThese amendments will come into effect on April 1, 2026.

The above amendments were posted online for feedback during the public hearing process. Feedback for Combustible Dusts and Standards Updates is available for review.

This information is provided by Click on the logo for the original Announcement.

Updates on Emergency Procedures for Hazardous Substances came into effect February 3, 2025

Find out more on WorkSafe BC's site, under Resources here.

OHS Regulation: Occupational First Aid

Published on: November 01, 2024

Amendments to the following sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation are in effect November 1, 2024 [B.C. Reg. 132/2023].

Part 3: Rights and Responsibilities - Occupational Health and Safety Programs

• 3.1 When program required

Part 3: Rights and Responsibilities - Occupational First Aid

• 3.14 Definitions
• 3.15 First aid attendant qualifications
• 3.16 Basic requirements
• 3.17 First aid procedures
• 3.17.1 Air transportation
• 3.21 First aid attendant responsibilities
• Schedule 3-A Minimum levels of first aid

Additional Resources:

• Backgrounder: Occupational first aid regulatory changes
• Changes to occupational first aid requirements: Frequently asked questions
• Workplace First Aid: OHS Regulation Changes (video)

Sources:

• WorkSafeBC 
• OHS Regulation: Occupational first aid | WorkSafeBC)
  

Al Bieksa gave a great presentation to the CSSE Lower Mainland dinner meeting at the Firefighters Hall last night. Register to join us at our next Return to Work course.

Perplexing in this day and age to see protests over basic OHS standards.

Alberta is the only jurisdiction in Canada without coverage for farm and ranch workers.

Farmers rally against Bill 6 at Alberta legislature

There was a more than disappointing response by some Farmers to Alberta NDP's new farm safety bill. 1000s signed a petition against the new safety legistlation.

In a recent article from Business Insider, they report the resutls of the jobs that are most damaging to your health via O*NET measures of six health risks in each of the 974 occupations that they review.

Register today for our free 12 week Occupational Health & Safety ESL course.

Drop by the OHS Centre table at the Together 2015 conference for a chance to win a Roadside Emergency Kit!