Changes to BC’S Safety Standards Act Weed Out Unqualified Workers

Changes

Dec 14, 2018

Amendments to the province’s Safety Standards Act now in force enhance safety for workers and the general public by creating barriers for workers without the proper credentials.

The amendments are intended to address gaps and strengthen existing safety oversight tools so that delegated authorities administering the Act, including Technical Safety BC and other local municipalities, can do their jobs more effectively.

Two changes to the act provide more tools for compliance and enforcement. These changes give authorities the ability to

• enforce prohibitions against individuals who place advertisements for regulated work if they do not possess the proper credentials to do this work. Previously it was illegal to complete regulated work without the appropriate qualifications and permits, but it was not illegal to advertise those services.

• use their discretion to refuse permits where a contractor’s compliance, safety history, or other circumstances indicate a need to do so.  Previously, permit refusal was only allowed when fees were outstanding.

The amendments also

• make the Safety Standards Appeals Board more efficient by allowing summary dismissal of appeals where there are no reasonable prospects of success

• allow Technical Safety BC to deliver notices required by the Act or regulations by email

The following change will be implemented at a later date, following stakeholder consultation to define details: Technical Safety BC and other authorities having jurisdiction will be able to publicly identify non-compliant contractors as well as unqualified individuals performing regulated work.

“Overseeing the safe installation and operation of technical systems across B.C. is our priority,” says Catherine Roome, President and CEO of Technical Safety BC. “The changes will allow us to advance technical safety through regulatory tools, including targeting those who do not meet the standards, and supporting qualified people as they continue to offer safe services to all British Columbians.”

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

    Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

    April 14, 2025 Today’s workplaces are expanding beyond the four walls of an office. As technology continues to evolve, employees are looking for new and alternative workspaces to inspire creativity and increase productivity. This includes taking their work to outdoor spaces. Bringing technology to outdoor spaces has become a challenge for facility managers and property… Read More…

  • CAF-FCA Provides Recomendations on Apprenticeship Investment

    CAF-FCA Provides Recomendations on Apprenticeship Investment

    April 13, 2025 CAF-FCA have provided an outline of actionable recommendations—developed through national consultation—to enhance accessibility, reduce financial barriers, and better align apprenticeship training with industry needs. Source Read More…

  • New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

    New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

    April 13, 2025 Alberta is facing more severe weather events, with rising temperatures, wildfires, and more frequent extreme storms threatening homes and businesses. Our report, Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather−written in partnership with the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program−highlights the need for deep retrofits to ensure the province’s buildings can withstand these changing conditions. Four… Read More…

  • CCA Bulletin: Managing Tariff Risks in Construction Projects

    CCA Bulletin: Managing Tariff Risks in Construction Projects

    April 13, 2025 This bulletin was prepared by select members of the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) General Contractors National Advisory Council. Its purpose is to assess the potential impacts of tariffs and counter-tariffs on general contractors in Canada focusing specifically on: In both areas, the bulletin explores both upstream and downstream impacts – examining how… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • PEI’s First Net Zero Ready School Officially Opens

    PEI’s First Net Zero Ready School Officially Opens

    April 13, 2025 Island students, their families and the Sherwood school community came together today to celebrate the opening of PEI’s first net zero ready school. The new Sherwood Elementary School, built next to the former school, offers over 82,000 square feet of space with many innovative features to promote enhanced learning experiences for up… Read More…

  • Nova Scotia Invests to Connect Nova Scotians to Skilled Trades

    Nova Scotia Invests to Connect Nova Scotians to Skilled Trades

    April 13, 2025 The Province is helping more Nova Scotians explore and connect to careers in skilled trades through a $10-million investment in the construction industry. The investment will support more skilled trades training through three key initiatives: “Nova Scotia needs more skilled trades professionals to support our growing economy and to build the homes,… Read More…

  • PEI Tables Bill Aimed to Eliminate Trade and Labour Barriers

    PEI Tables Bill Aimed to Eliminate Trade and Labour Barriers

    April 13, 2025 Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, introduced the Interprovincial Trade & Mobility Act in the provincial legislature. This bill will allow Prince Edward Island to eliminate unnecessary barriers to trade and labour mobility with reciprocating jurisdictions.   The Bill will accept provincial inspections and standards on goods coming from a… Read More…

  • PEI Minimum Wage Set to Increase

    PEI Minimum Wage Set to Increase

    April 13, 2025 Minimum wage in Prince Edward Island will increase incrementally to $17 per hour by April 1, 2026.  The Employment Standards Board reviews minimum wage annually and provides their recommendation to government.  Go HERE for more information Source Read More…