WorkSafeBC’s healthcare and social services planned inspection initiative focuses on high-risk activities in the workplace that lead to serious injuries and time-loss claims. Did you know healthcare and social services workers comprise about 12 percent of B.C.’s workforce? Unfortunately, in 2022, the injury rate in this sector hit 17.1, significantly higher than the provincial average of 2.4. A big portion of these claims, over 33 percent, came from overexertion injuries, and an astounding 58.9 percent of all violence-related claims in B.C. were from this sector.

The most common risks for healthcare and social service professionals come from direct interactions with patients and others. These interactions can, unfortunately, lead to serious injuries, including those from acts of violence. This initiative aims to create safer work environments by focusing on areas and occupations where these interactions are most common.

Goals of the healthcare and social services planned inspection initiative:

• Making workplaces safer by reducing the risk of violence and injuries.
• Decreasing workers’ chances of overexertion or musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). This includes injuries from lifting people, dealing with mobility issues, and handling equipment or materials.

For the inspections happening in 2024, WorkSafeBC prevention officers will use a risk-based strategy to ensure they are tackling the most important risks effectively, as was done in 2023. This means that workers and employers will work together to spot hazards, assess the risks, and then put the right controls for their situation. They will ensure these efforts are well communicated and monitored through key safety practices like orientations for new workers, ongoing training, supervision, incident investigations, and regular worksite inspections. WorkSafeBC will also highlight the importance of active and well-supported joint health and safety committees (JOSHC).

What you can do

Check out these resources to help you understand and tackle the health and safety issues WorkSafeBC will focus on. Need more support? Contact us at info@safecarebc.ca for support that addresses your organization’s unique needs. Together, we can make a big difference in keeping our workplaces safe and healthy!