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

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.”