Publishing Date
The Province of B.C.’s Ministry of Labour invites input from local governments as part of its public engagement on proposed asbestos abatement licensing and certification. Asbestos-related diseases are the leading cause of workplace deaths in BC, accounting for 33% of all occupational disease and traumatic workplace fatalities from 2000 to 2020.
Government is seeking input from a broad range of British Columbians about a proposal to establish new workplace requirements under the Workers Compensation Act that would:
- require asbestos abatement contractors to be licensed by WorkSafeBC to operate in BC; and
- require employers, workers and contractors who perform asbestos abatement work in BC to be certified through a mandatory asbestos safety training process that would be authorized by WorkSafeBC.
Local governments interested in participating may provide submissions to the Ministry of Labour. Questions about the engagement may be directed to Michael Tanner, Director of Labour Policy and Legislation.