“Protect Your Workers with New Rules for Asbestos Removal: Get The Facts Now!”

Enhancing Worker Safety through Asbestos Abatement: How WorkSafeBC is Helping
Asbestos-related diseases are the number one cause of workplace-related deaths in B.C., and WorkSafeBC has taken steps to protect both workers and the public from the dangers of asbestos. Rules that came into effect on Jan. 1 of this year require asbestos-abatement employers to be licensed and ensure workers are certified to perform asbestos removal work.

Why is Licensing and Worker Certification Important?
Asbestos abatement is not a job that can be completed without certification, as the removal, repair, transport, and disposal of asbestos or materials that may contain asbestos requires special training. Following the changes made to the Workers Compensation Act in 2022, WorkSafeBC now has the authority to oversee both the employer licensing program and worker certification and began accepting license applications in September 2023. The required training for worker certification was launched in June 2023, and an online registry of licensed employers is now available.

Why is This Necessary?
Asbestos exposure has been a contributing factor in 61 of 181 workplace deaths in 2022, and enrolling in the certified training program serves to protect workers from work-related asbestos-related diseases, which are the number one cause of workplace-related deaths in B.C. Over the past decade, WorkSafeBC has accepted more than 500 claims for workers killed by occupational diseases related to asbestos exposure, and these new rules are an important step to creating a safe work environment and preventing further injury and death.

How Can Employers and Workers Ensure Compliance?
Employers are urged to apply for licensing before Jan. 1, 2024, when all approved operators must have valid asbestos-abatement licenses. Additionally, workers must complete the necessary training in order to be certified to complete asbestos-abatement work. The online registry of licensed employers is a great resource for both employers and workers who want to make sure they are compliant with the law and have taken the steps necessary to protect themselves and their coworkers.

Conclusion
Protect yourself and your coworkers by taking the necessary steps to follow the rules of asbestos-abatement work and be safe from the deadly risks associated with asbestos exposure. WorkSafeBC is committed to protecting workers and the public from asbestos-related diseases and injuries by overseeing the employer licensing program and worker certification. Get the facts now and start taking the steps necessary to ensure safety and compliance.