Worksafe Public Hearing Goes Virtual Dec 10, 2020: Headgear, REI's, Mobile Equipment & More
WorkSafeBC will be holding a public hearing for proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Due to the restrictions on public gatherings put in place by the provincial health officer during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be holding the public hearing virtually.
The virtual public hearing will be streamed live on December 10, 2020, in two sessions. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second from 3 to 5 p.m.
The virtual hearing will cover proposed changes to the following parts of the OHS Regulation:
Part 6 Restricted intervals for pesticide application
Part 8 High visibility apparel
Part 8 Safety headgear
Part 16 Mobile equipment
Part 21 Traffic control
Part 21 Blasting
Providing feedback
The proposed regulatory amendments are now posted along with explanatory notes. We welcome your feedback on the proposals either through written submissions or participation at the virtual public hearing. All feedback received will be presented to WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors for their consideration.
The public consultation phase is separate from the public hearing process. If you provided comments during consultation, please make another submission on the proposed changes.
Please note, if you previously provided comments for the postponed September public hearing, there is no need to make another submission.
Feedback on the proposed amendments can be made in the following ways:
1. Online feedback
To provide online feedback please click on the hyperlink for the regulatory amendment package you are interested in, and open the proposed amendments. Once opened, please click on the yellow "Online Feedback" button to provide your feedback. Written submissions will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on, Monday, December 14, 2020.
2. Register to speak at the hearing via telephone
To register, please call 604.232.7744 or toll free in B.C. at 1.866.614.7744. One presentation from an organization or individual will be permitted.
A maximum of 10 minutes will be allotted to each person or organization per regulatory amendment package, and a maximum of 20 minutes for comments on multiple amendment packages.
When registering, please have the following information available:
Name of presenter
Whether you represent a worker, or an employer, or other (not representing either workers or employers, such as a licensing or regulatory body, or a professional or industry association)
Whether you are presenting on your own behalf or on behalf of an organization (if on behalf of an organization, please specify the name of the organization)
Preferred session time (morning or afternoon)
Email address
Contact telephone number
An email will be sent to you confirming your registration. If you aren’t able to register, please watch the hearing as there will be an opportunity to call in after the list of pre-registered speakers.
3. Submit a pre-recorded video
Pre-recorded video submissions up to five minutes in length can be submitted and will be played at the public hearing. In the video, please include:
Name of presenter
Proposed amendment(s) you are commenting on
Whether you represent a worker, or an employer, or other (not representing either workers or employers, such as a licensing or regulatory body, or a professional or industry association)
Whether you are presenting on your own behalf or on behalf of an organization (if on behalf of an organization, please specify the name of the organization)
For further instructions, please call 604.232.7744 or toll-free in B.C. at 1.866.614.7744. The deadline for pre-recorded video submissions is 4:30 p.m. on, Wednesday December 3, 2020.