A recent $783,000 fine against Interior Health highlights the serious risks of failing to manage asbestos during contracted work in a long-term care home. In this case, contractors drilled into asbestos-containing drywall to install tele-communications lines. This work was done without a risk assessment, exposure control plan, or adequate measures to ensure staff safety.

Both building owners and contractors hold shared legal responsibility under WorkSafeBC standards. It underscores the critical need to proactively manage asbestos risks before any renovation or maintenance work.

As a long-term care operator, here's what you must do before any renovation or maintenance work:

• Get a hazardous materials (asbestos) survey before disturbing building materials.
• Maintain an asbestos containing inventory.
• Develop an exposure control plan if asbestos is present or suspected.
• Use only licensed asbestos contractors (mandatory in BC as of Jan 2024).
• Share asbestos info with all contractors and ensure proper protective measures are taken.