UPDATE: September 25, 2026: WorkSafeBC has paused its consultations on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation addressing psychological health and safety, harassment, and violence. The pause is due to the provincial election and is procedural; it does not indicate that a decision has been made about the proposed changes.

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

While employers already have 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. 

We will update this information when consultation resumes.

• Psychological health and safety consultation 
• Harassment and violence consultation 

Members may continue to send comments or examples of potential impacts to info@safecarebc.ca.