Recently, WorkSafeBC released its 2018-2020 Construction High Risk Strategy, a plan to reduce the number of serious injuries in the construction sector. On average, serious injuries occur far more often in construction than in any other sector in British Columbia.
Falls from height are the leading cause of injury and asbestos continues to be the leading cause of death.
The plan aims to address and prevent workplace conditions and practices that are considered unsafe and high-risk. The plan includes three primary areas of focus:
Health and safety responsibilities
WorkSafeBC officers will visit work sites and conduct workplace inspections for proper health and safety planning and supervision. They will serve to inform and educate prime contractors, owners, employers, supervisors and workers to avoid unsafe conditions and practices that lead to serious injuries and fatalities. WorkSafeBC will hire 40 new inspectors in 2018.
Tools, equipment and processes
WorkSafeBC will identify the tools, equipment or processes that will help lower the incidents of injury at workplaces.
Partnerships and collaborations
WorkSafeBC will partner with industry stakeholders, including the BC Construction Safety Alliance, to develop and deliver educational opportunities, resources and communications strategies to encourage and and promote workplace health and safety.
WorkSafeBC’s High Risk Strategies address four sectors that are the biggest contributors to serious injuries in BC: construction, forestry, health care and manufacturing. Visit the WorkSafeBC High Risk Strategies webpage for more information including deliverables and timelines.
