4 Steps to Keep Your Workplace Operational

Let’s start from the beginning. What is WorkSafe BC? Why do companies receive orders? What are orders? What do they mean?

WorkSafe BC is a provincial government agency in British Columbia, Canada that is responsible for promoting workplace health and safety and administering workers’ compensation benefits. If an employer or worker is found to be in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations or the Workers Compensation Act, WorkSafe BC may issue orders to address the non-compliance. Orders may include directives to correct hazardous conditions, stop work, or take other actions to address the issue.

If a company receives WorkSafe BC orders, it is important that they take the following steps:

1. Review the orders carefully to understand what is required and by when.
2. Consult with any workers or worker representatives who may be affected by the orders.
3. Take prompt and appropriate action to comply with the orders. This may include correcting any hazardous conditions, implementing new procedures or policies, or providing additional training or protective equipment.
4. Keep records of the steps taken to comply with the orders and provide this information to WorkSafe BC upon request.

Failing to comply with WorkSafe BC orders can result in penalties and fines, as well as an increased risk of workplace injuries and accidents. It is important that employers take these orders seriously and take timely action to address any issues raised by WorkSafe BC.

Let’s dive deep into the 4 steps.

Review the orders carefully

It is important to thoroughly understand the nature of the non-compliance and the specific actions that are required to address it. WorkSafe BC orders may include a deadline for compliance, so it is important to know when the required actions must be completed. If you have any questions about the orders, you should contact the WorkSafe BC officer for clarification. Remember the following when contacting the officers:

1. 1. Always remain polite in the conversation. The officers are doing their job, and while orders can seem unfair and out of the blue, your organization did not have the documentation or elements in place as required by law. It’s the officer’s duty to highlight gaps and request them to be fixed.
   2. Remove any guesswork from the orders by asking direct questions and getting as much detail as required.
   3. Make notes during your conversation and read back or clarify any unclear information.
   4. Remember the officer’s job is not to be a consultant, their duties are to inform you of the gap, and request a fix. How to fix it is up to your organization, but if you find yourself struggling with where to start or what to do, keep reading on.
   5. See example of WorkSafe BC Inspection Report with associated orders below.

Consult with workers or worker representatives

If the orders will impact the work of any employees, it is important to consult with them and ensure that their concerns are addressed. This may include providing additional training or protective equipment or making changes to work procedures. It is also important to consult with any worker representatives, such as a union or health and safety committee, to ensure that they are aware of the orders and are involved in the process of complying with them. This can help to build trust and ensure that the necessary actions are taken in a way that is acceptable to all parties.

Take prompt and appropriate action to comply with the orders

It is important to take timely and effective action to address any non-compliance identified by WorkSafe BC. This may include correcting hazardous conditions, implementing new procedures or policies, providing additional training or protective equipment, or taking other actions as required. You should also ensure that any required actions are completed by the deadline specified in the orders.

1. 1. Remember to complete and return a Notice of Compliance Report (NOC) if required by the officer. This form indicates to the officer how you plan to or have met the order requirements. Sample NOC and Orders are within this post.

Keep records and provide information to WorkSafe BC

It is important to keep records of the steps taken to comply with the orders, including any corrective actions or changes to policies or procedures. This can help to demonstrate compliance and may be requested by WorkSafe BC during follow-up inspections or audits. You should also be prepared to provide information to WorkSafe BC upon request, such as copies of training materials or documentation of corrective actions taken. This can help to ensure that WorkSafe BC is satisfied that the necessary actions have been taken to address the non-compliance.

If you find yourself needing assistance or clarity to navigate WorkSafe BC orders, contact us!

Examples:

• NOC example

• Worksafe Inspection Report with Orders Example