BC 1 Call reminds contractors why it’s important to “Click or call before you dig” when planning construction projects. I’ve noticed a number of contractors transforming their clients’ yards to create space for physically distant socializing during the cold months. But as a contractor, before breaking ground on any project — be it building a […]
Hear one hair salon owner’s experience of reopening their business with new COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Recently, I spoke with Barb Whiteman, owner of Colourbox Hairdressing, about new safety protocols for workers and customers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Colourbox, which has been in its current Vancouver location for nearly 30 years, […]
As always, occupational first aid attendants are at the ready, and now they are using new protocols to protect themselves and their patients from COVID-19. People in need of first aid at work can expect a few changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, and if it’s possible, people will be asked to administer […]
Reviewing forklift and loading procedures are some ways employers can keep warehouse workers safe as they process a backlog of orders during the pandemic. My friend and his fellow logistics technicians have been working overtime at their warehouse jobs ever since the pandemic was declared in March 2020. They’ve been processing an excess of “undeliverable” […]
Distilleries, breweries, and wineries need to review their workplace safety measures before making hand sanitizer that helps fight the spread of COVID-19. Recently, there’s been a lot in the news about distilleries and breweries making hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic to help with the shortage in supply. Some of the sanitizer produced is sold, […]
Fish Safe BC is reaching out to fishing crews to talk about vessel stability, PFD regulations, and the importance of planning for emergencies. On March 6, 2017 — the first day of B.C.’s herring roe fishery — a crew member died when a seine fishing vessel capsized and sank in the waters off Comox. (Read more about […]
Last spring, a B.C. motel worker was assaulted while working alone at night. Employers have specific responsibilities when it comes to lone worker safety. In May 2019, a worker was assaulted, tied up, and robbed while working alone at night at the front desk of a Victoria motel. To prevent others from experiencing this type […]
It’s critical to identify risk factors that lead to violent incidents for health care workers. Violence risk assessments can help employers find solutions. The number of violent incidents reported at B.C.’s health care workplaces is on the rise. This news release from the BC Nurses’ Union reports a 52 percent increase in violent incidents reported […]
Service industry workers exposed to loud noise can wear hearing protection that makes it easier to hear customers and coworkers — and looks good, too. Bartenders, DJs, servers, door people, and other service industry workers are often exposed to hazardous levels of noise at or over 85 decibels. This puts them at risk of permanent […]
It can take months for restoration workers to clean a fire-damaged structure. They face a range of hazards, such as exposure to hazardous materials. Justin McConville, laboratory manager and hazmat department supervisor at On Side Restoration, has seen hundreds of fire-damaged buildings during his career in the restoration industry. He tells me that, depending on […]
