Could Technology Help Improve Electrical Compliance?

January 15, 2017

Research conducted on behalf of the BC Safety Authority (BCSA) could provide a technical solution to a key compliance barrier.

BCSA estimates that up to 50% of electrical work done by contractors in the province is performed without required installation permits. Unpermitted work is linked to higher risk to worker and public safety.

Graduate students from Simon Fraser University’s School of Public Policy recently conducted research, including interviews with BCSA stakeholders, to identify issues that may inhibit permitting. They prepared a report recommending several ideas that could help bring non-compliant electrical contractors into the safety system.

Why people don’t comply with regulations

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), people don’t comply with regulatory requirements for a number of reasons, including:

  • failure to understand the law
  • procedural injustice
  • costs of compliance (in terms of time, money or effort)
  • deterrence failure
  • incapacitation of those regulated
  • failure of persuasion

What the graduate students recommend

Recommendations include:

  • developing a mobile app to make the permit application process faster and more efficient
  • improving the navigation and usability of the BCSA website
  • providing multi-lingual website information and forms
  • enhancing homeowner education regarding when and where permits are required, and the risks of not obtaining them
  • exploring the potential of virtual inspections (via video-conference) for low-risk sites

The students’ report explores each of these recommendations. Here’s a summary of its recommendation for an app. The purpose would be to increase access to information and simplify the permit application process. The app could be for both contractors and their clients, and provide different information to each party.

How the app would work

Here’s a possible sequence of events and features.

For the contractor:

  1. User downloads the app
  2. User creates a contractor profile
  3. Information used to create a contractor profile is integrated into permit applications as basic auto-fill information. This increases ease of use by reducing the need to add personal information each time an application is created
  4. User is able to request a permit directly through the app, and relevant information about the job can be directly input
  5. User is able to request a virtual inspection.

For the customer:

  1. User downloads the app
  2. User is able to browse for information about what work requires a permit, and easily connect with a list of licensed contractors in their city
  3. Featured spaces/images run a campaign highlighting the risks of unpermitted work and the liability involved
  4. User can connect with the regulatory authority by telephone or email through the app

The budget for this project could reach $100,000, says the report, but it would be an effective tool, particularly for contractors looking to submit permit applications. The main benefits would be to

  • simplify the permit application process, which applicants find burdensome
  • create a direct line of communication between the regulatory authority and its stakeholders; for example, notifying electrical contractors of regulatory and process changes

While BCEA has published the report on its website, it has not yet publicly indicated any next steps. Find out more: www.safetyauthority.ca/news/electrical-newsletter/can-technology-help-bcsa-improve-electrical-compliance.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Hazardous Environment vs. Intrinsically Safe Sensors: Understanding the Differences

    Hazardous Environment vs. Intrinsically Safe Sensors: Understanding the Differences

    May 5, 2025 Sensors designed for industrial applications often face harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, high humidity, exposure to chemicals, and the presence of combustible gases or dust. Two common classifications for sensors used in such environments are hazardous environment sensors and intrinsically safe sensors. While they share some overlap, they serve different purposes and… Read More…

  • The Wild and Wonderful of Thermal by FLIR – How Thermal Imaging is Augmenting More Than Just Cameras

    The Wild and Wonderful of Thermal by FLIR – How Thermal Imaging is Augmenting More Than Just Cameras

    May 5, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Teledyne FLIR OEM launched their Thermal by FLIR about six years ago, to expand support for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who integrate FLIR thermal camera technology into their products. Since then, these collaborations have taken thermal into completely new spaces. Mike Walters, Vice President of Emerging Product Management at FLIR… Read More…

  • Ontario Leads Residential Sector Increase in February Construction Investment

    Ontario Leads Residential Sector Increase in February Construction Investment

    May 5, 2025 Overall, investment in building construction rose 1.5% (+$331.7 million) to $22.4 billion in February, with gains being recorded across all components. The residential sector increased 1.8% to $15.7 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 0.8% to $6.8 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 8.9% in February. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction… Read More…

  • MCEE 2025 Marks Big Return to the Palais des congrès

    MCEE 2025 Marks Big Return to the Palais des congrès

    May 4, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Canada’s largest Mechanical, Plumbing, Hydronics, HVAC, Electrical and Lighting Expo did not disappoint. On April 24-25, more than 6,000 attendees flocked to the Palais des congrès in the heart of Montreal to attend the Mechanical, Conditioning, Electrical, and Equipment (MCEE) trade show to see the latest products, learn about… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • City Electric Supply Bids Farewell to Vickey Mackay and Brian Doucette

    City Electric Supply Bids Farewell to Vickey Mackay and Brian Doucette

    May 5, 2025 After decades of leadership, City Electric Supply bid a warm farewell to two incredible branch managers in their Ottawa District — Vicky Mackay (Ottawa Central & Kemptville) and Brian Doucette (Pembroke). “Their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact will be felt for years to come,” said City Electric Supply on LinkedIn. City Electric Supply are also introducing… Read More…

  • 2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase Highlights the Future Skilled Trade and Technology Workforce

    2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase Highlights the Future Skilled Trade and Technology Workforce

    May 5, 2025 Canada’s largest skilled trades and technology conference, the Skills Ontario Competition, is back at the Toronto Congress Centre May 5th – May 6th. Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario, said Skills Ontario is changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technologies through events like the Skills Ontario Competition. “We look forward… Read More…

  • Manitoba Government Honours Highest Achieving New Journeypersons

    Manitoba Government Honours Highest Achieving New Journeypersons

    May 4, 2025 The Manitoba government is proud to acknowledge the outstanding work and commitment of newly certified journeypersons, as well as recognize employers and their contributions to Manitoba’s skilled trades, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced last night at the Legislative Building during the 33rd annual Apprenticeship Highest Achievement Awards… Read More…

  • Acuity Acquires Sports Lighting Startup M3 Innovation

    Acuity Acquires Sports Lighting Startup M3 Innovation

    May 4, 2025  Acuity Inc. has acquired the business assets of M3 Innovation, LLC, a sports lighting startup that uses innovative technology to lower the overall cost of the installation and operation of sports lighting solutions.   The acquisition has already closed, and the solution is now part of the Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) business portfolio. M3 Innovation’s products and innovative technology will be available through Acuity’s independent sales network as part of their Lithonia Lighting® brand and through direct sales and utility channels as part of their Holophane® brand.   “We are excited to welcome M3 Innovation to ABL. The founders are thought… Read More…