WorkSafeBC

A mega-event is a major, time-limited event that can reshape its host city. This summer, that's Vancouver. ⚽

Until July 19, an international sporting mega-event will bring bigger crowds and busier days to workplaces across the Lower Mainland, especially in food & beverage, tourism & hospitality, and transportation. When things get busier, familiar workplace risks get bigger.

Whether you're an employer or a worker, getting prepared for this busy period can help you and your teams stay safe. You can learn more and find our collected resources for this summer's mega-event at http://ms.spr.ly/6186vcx1p

Now’s the time to plan for hot working conditions and how to protect your workers from heat stress. Use our interactive heat stress screening tool to help you evaluate when your workers may be at risk for heat stress and what controls you should put in place: http://ms.spr.ly/6184vkIKg

Small business employers have a responsibility to help keep workers safe when they drive for work, even if driving is only an occasional part of the job.

This Road Safety at Work webinar is a helpful starting point for understanding the basics and taking practical steps to support safer driving at work.

Register for Road Safety Basics for Small Business below
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1017769669608/WN_T0AXr1wPQamryo1-yTgiig

If your small but mighty team drives for any reason at work – deliveries, client visits, site checks, errands – you have employer responsibilities.
Learn how road safety management can start with a few simple steps: Register for our next webinar for free: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2517769670058/WN_T0AXr1wPQamryo1-yTgiig

As construction and seasonal work ramps up across B.C., we’re joining BC Hydro to remind employers and workers that electrical safety needs to be part of every job plan, not just for electricians.

WorkSafeBC data shows that from 2015 to 2025, about 74% of claims related to contact with power lines involved workers in non-electrical occupations, including construction workers, painters, window washers, surveyors, and crane or heavy equipment operators.

Before starting work near overhead or underground power lines:

✅ Know the requirements and minimum approach distances
✅ Look up, look down, and identify overhead and underground lines
✅ Stay at least 3 metres, or 10 feet, away from power lines. Depending on the task, a greater distance may be required under the Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.
✅ Click or call BC 1 Call before disturbing soil
✅ Use the right equipment: Never use metal or aluminum ladders near power lines. Fiberglass ladders reduce risk but do not remove the hazard.
✅ Treat downed or damaged lines as live. Stay back 10 metres, or 33 feet, and call 911

Learn more about worker and employer responsibilities in our latest news release: http://ms.spr.ly/6183vZx89

Employers: Our revised practice directive for assessable payroll is helping cut through confusion by clarifying exactly what needs to be tracked and reported.

If your business handles tips and gratuities, this WorkSafe Magazine feature breaks down the reporting of verifiable tips and what it means for service employers.

As of January 1, 2026, employers are required to track and report only verifiable tips, helping simplify reporting and create more consistent payroll assessment practices.

Read the article here: http://ms.spr.ly/6187v8fPX

Commercial fishing boats can be hazardous work environments, and the right safety resources can help crews better recognize risks and prevent injuries. An updated edition of ‘Gearing Up for Safety in Commercial Fishing’, offers practical guidance designed to make safety approachable for everyone working at sea.

Here’s what’s new in our flagship health and safety book for commercial fishing:
✅ Fresh graphics and plain language to better reflect current legislation
✅ Expanded focus on new and young worker training requirements
✅ Clear, visual illustrations to support safety strategies and longer engagement.

Read the updated guide and explore more safety resources for commercial fishing at http://ms.spr.ly/6180v8f1w

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Student Safety Video Contest!

Students across B.C. submitted more than 70 videos on the theme “Use your voice for safety,” sharing powerful messages about speaking up when you see a workplace hazard.

The 2026 winners are:

Grades 8 to 10
🏆 Accidents Don’t Stay Silent — Rockridge Secondary School
🏆 Voices — Partners in Education, Qathet school district

Grades 11 and 12
🏆 The Book of WorkSafe Wisdom — Rockridge Secondary School
🏆 Voltage — Guildford Park Secondary School

A special congratulations to The Book of WorkSafe Wisdom, which also received the Actsafe Aspiring Filmmaker Award and took first place in the national Focus on Safety Youth Video Contest.

Thank you to all the students, schools, sponsors, and voters who helped make this year’s contest a success.

Watch the winning videos : http://ms.spr.ly/6181vRNSx