WorkSafeBC is seeking feedback on two related proposals to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR). If adopted, the proposals would establish clearer and more coordinated requirements for employers to address psychosocial hazards, including specific frameworks that prevent and respond to workplace harassment and violence. 

While employers already hold responsibilities to protect their workers from bullying, harassment and violence, the proposals would replace the mix of regulatory and policy requirements and introduce or formalize several requirements. 

Key proposed changes include: 

• A framework requiring employers to develop a Psychological Health and Safety Program to identify, assess and control psychosocial hazards, including cumulative trauma, workload, work pace and how work is organized. 

• Updated definitions for harassment and violence, with each addressed through a separate prevention program and specific employer requirements. Both frameworks would cover conduct by workers and non-workers, such as residents, clients, family members and visitors.  

• The addition of psychosocial hazards and harassment to new and young orientations and ongoing training requirements. Violence is already a required orientation topic. 

Feedback to WorkSafeBC may be provided until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9: 

• Psychological health and safety proposal 

• Harassment and violence proposal 

SafeCare BC will also collect feedback from members and prepare a joint response to WorkSafeBC. Please send your comments to info@safecarebc.ca by Friday, October 2.