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Leading from the Inside Out
Our Programs
Leading from the Inside Out provides a safe space for leaders in continuing care to share their challenges and learn self-care practices.
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The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum is recognized as best-practice in violence prevention training for health care workers.
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Guidelines & Regulations

Guidelines and Regulations

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Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), Part 5: Chemical Agents and Biological Agents – Emergency Planning came into effect on February 3, 2025. Changes include additional requirements to minimize the risk, likelihood, and harm caused by an emergency involving hazardous substances.   Hazardous substances include biological, chemical or physical hazards that may reasonably […]
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WorkSafeBC has acknowledged an error in calculating the 2025 SafeCare BC levy, which is included in the premiums paid by our two member employer groups–those providing community health support services (classification unit 766006) and those in long-term care (classification unit 766011).
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Guidelines and Regulations
Regulatory News
Safety Month - June 2025

Emergency preparedness

Let's face it: emergencies don't wait for a convenient time. As a healthcare leader in British Columbia, you're responsible for the safety and well-being of your staff and those you care for. But are you truly prepared for the unexpected?

Is your organization ready for anything?

Ignoring emergency preparedness isn't just risky; it's a gamble with lives and livelihoods. Imagine the chaos and potential harm caused by wildfires raging nearby, a sudden heatwave putting vulnerable clients at severe risk, the disruption of a major earthquake, or the devastation of widespread flooding. Are you confident your current plan is robust enough to handle these threats? Failing to prepare adequately can lead to:

  • Increased risk of injuries and fatalities
  • Damage to property and facilities
  • Displacement of residents and staff
  • Disruption of essential services
  • Financial repercussions
  • Damage to your organization's reputation

Can you afford to take that risk?

You don't have to navigate this alone. Check out our suite of resources to help you create a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan tailored to the unique challenges of long-term care and home health support in BC.

Ensure you're compliant and prepared. Access our free resources to build your emergency plan.

Have questions about this month's topic? Ask us!

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Emergency preparedness

Featured Resources

One in three Canadian adults has experienced a major weather-related disaster or emergency. The Government of Canada reports that we live “in a period of rapid climate change,” and high-risk weather is becoming severe, longer, and more frequent across Canada.  
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Emergency events such as severe flooding and landslides can occur with very little warning. When creating an emergency response plan for the workplace, considerations need to include planning for evacuation, rescue, and re-entry, when safe to do so.
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Hot summer weather brings increased potential for wildfires, resulting in poor air quality. Poor air quality impacts all British Columbians but can be particularly difficult for seniors, those that need to work in smoky conditions, and those with underlying health conditions - including respiratory illness.
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Moral distress is when one feels as though they should take a certain action but cannot due to the restraints of the situation.
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Learn to report and recognize heat exhaustion and take preventative measures to help avoid the ill effects of heat stress.
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A significant snowstorm has been forecast for your area. Snow has started falling heavily, making roads increasingly treacherous. Some staff members who live further away are already concerned about getting home safely, while others scheduled for the next shift are unsure if they can get to work. The administrator has asked all supervisors to enact the extreme winter weather emergency plan.  
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Emergency preparedness resources

As the amount of daylight increases and the frigid winter months come to an end, daylight saving time  finally allows us to "spring forward." But have you ever considered the effects that one-hour change has on your body and mind?   It’s more than just losing sleep. It can impact your mood, energy, and even […]
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Decoding the winter forecast 
January 16, 2025
OHS Blog
Winter is here, and in BC, it feels like we're constantly guessing - will it be clear skies or a torrential downpour? The 2025 forecast promises a mixed bag, with southern BC bracing for below-average temperatures and northern BC experiencing a milder but wetter season.  La Niña, a climate pattern triggered by cooler ocean waters […]
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Westcoasters have mastered the art of navigating the Lower Mainland's ever-changing weather, where sunshine can abruptly shift to torrential rain. Having the appropriate strategies at your disposal is crucial for staying dry and safe amidst these unpredictable shifts. With the practical tips below, you'll be ready for whatever the weather throws at you.  As we […]
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Wildfire season is a time of heightened risk, particularly for those living and working in areas prone to these natural disasters. As employers, it's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of your workforce during these challenging times. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complexities of wildfire season […]
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This orientation checklist helps ensure temporarily displaced workers receive the health and safety information they need to be well-equipped to handle their temporary working environment.
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Weather in BC can be highly variable, often unpredictable, occasionally sudden, and sometimes life-threatening. As droughts continue to impact BC and Alberta, and scientists warn that we can expect more severe storms, longer heatwaves, and increased wildfires (par. 1, 2024), prioritizing emergency preparedness for the summer months cannot be overstated.   These weather predictions emphasize why […]
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The challenges that B.C. faces are growing. Climate change is already affecting our communities, economy, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
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Hazards, such as wildfires, floods and earthquakes, can happen at any time. It is important to consider the needs of seniors in long-term care when planning for, or responding to emergencies.
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Due to climate change, there has been an increase in extreme weather events. Climate related emergencies refer to emergency situations caused by these extreme weather events...
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Provincial wildfires map
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The best way to protect your health from wildfire smoke is to seek cleaner air. Use a portable air cleaner at home, find an indoor environment with filtered air, or relocate to an area with less smoke. If you cannot access cleaner air, some face masks can provide protection from wildfire smoke
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While focused on describing the BC HARS, this document also contains general background information on heat events in B.C. and the reason for the establishment of the BC HEAT Committee.
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Floods are common in BC and can happen at any time of year. The most severe floods usually occur in spring and early summer due to heavy rain and melting snow. They can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures like dikes or dams.
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Procedures for re-commissioning gas & electrical equipment after a natural disaster has occurred.
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The first step to getting prepared is knowing which hazards could happen where you live, or in other areas in B.C. you might visit.
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BC storms can involve strong wind, heavy rain, and snow. These disturbances in the atmosphere can cause power outages or fluctuations, damages, and electrical/gas hazards.
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Use this guide as a starting point to protect that investment and the people you employ by ensuring your business is prepared to be up and running as soon as possible following any type of emergency or business disruption.
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This publication outlines responses to frequently asked questions from employers during the wildfire season. This information is provided to help you understand the hazards associated with exposure to smoke, and to outline some measures you can implement to minimize worker exposures.
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Our bodies naturally maintain a temperature between 36°C and 38°C. Sweating cools our bodies down, but if you work in a hot environment this might not be enough. If your body heats up faster than it can cool itself, you experience heat stress. This can lead to serious heat disorders and potential injury.
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Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you'll be able to respond. This resource for employers will help you plan for emergencies and develop effective procedures for evacuating your workplace.
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Older adults, infants, young children, people with chronic conditions, and those on certain medications are especially sensitive to the health effects of heat and should take extra care.
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Create customized and color-coded flash cards to streamline the education process for safety procedures in the home! Noticed the inefficient outcomes that we’ve had for each of our fire drills and discovered the main reason for this was that the staff did not know what to do.
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We strive to empower those working in the continuing care sector to create safer, healthier workplaces by fostering a culture of safety through evidence-based education, leadership, and collaboration.
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