Glossary – Block A: Safety Related Functions

A worker can receive compensation for a work-related injury or illness without having to prove who caused the accident. (Section A-2.2)

The closest distance allowed between people or equipment and live power lines. (Section A-1.4)

An unexpected event at work that causes injury or harm, such as slipping on a wet floor or getting hurt while using tools. (Section A-2.1)

A respirator that filters harmful particles or gases from the air. (Section A-4.1)

Tiny thread-like particles in the air that can be breathed into the lungs and cause serious health problems. (Section A-1.3)

Hazards made of tiny particles or gases that float in the air and can be breathed into the lungs. (Section A-1.3)

A secure point where fall protection equipment is attached. (Section A-4.2)

The steepest angle that soil or sand can be piled without sliding or falling. In trenching and excavation work, knowing the angle of repose helps workers decide how much to slope the sides of a trench so the soil stays stable and does not collapse. (Section A-1.2)

A certification that shows a product meets safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). If equipment has ANSI approval, it has been tested to make sure it meets certain safety requirements. (Section A-4.1)

A poisonous metal often used in wood preservatives that can cause serious health problems. (Section A-1.3)

A dangerous material once used in buildings that can release tiny fibres into the air when disturbed. (Section A-1.3)

A serious lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos fibres over a long time. (Section A-1.3)

Money that employers in British Columbia must pay to WorkSafeBC to help cover the costs of workplace safety programs, inspections, and injury claims. (Section A-2.2)

The temperature at which a substance ignites on its own without a spark or flame. (Section A-5.1)

A rod that holds a wheel in place and allows it to turn. (Section A-4.3)

A way to make a trench safer by cutting the sides into flat steps, like stairs. These steps help support the soil and reduce the chance of the trench walls collapsing while workers are inside. (Section A-1.2)

A solid metal plate bolted to the end of a pipe to completely block the flow of liquid or gas, making the pipe safe to work on.

Wood or material placed under an object to lift it off the ground. (Section A-4.3)

(Workers' Compensation Board) The group that runs workers’ compensation. It decides rules, helps injured workers, and makes sure workplaces follow safety laws. (Section A-2.1)

A machine used to lift people and tools to work at heights. It raises a platform or bucket off the ground so workers can safely reach high places. A boom lift can move up, down, and sideways, while a scissor lift moves straight up and down.

A highly toxic metal found in some batteries and metals that can damage the lungs and kidneys. (Section A-1.3)

A Canadian testing certification label is a safety mark on tools or equipment that shows they have been tested and approved to be safe for use in Canada by organizations like Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). (Section A-1.4)

An oblong-shaped metal connecting device with a locking gate used to attach different components of a personal fall protection system. (Section A-4.2)

A classification that shows how dangerous a hazard is. Lower numbers or earlier letters usually mean more danger. (Section A-3.1)

A continuing chemical process that keeps a fire burning once it has started. (Section A-5.1)

A safety switch in an electrical system that automatically turns off the power if too much electricity flows through a circuit. This helps prevent wires from overheating and protects buildings and devices from electrical fires or damage. (Section A-1.2)

An official request made to WorkSafeBC for compensation after a worker is injured or becomes ill because of work. (Section A-2.4)

A category that describes the type of material that is burning. (Section A-5.2)

A substance that can catch fire and burn. (Section A-5.1)

Burning; a chemical reaction that produces heat and often light. (Section A-5.1)

Money or support given to a worker who is hurt at work, to help pay for things like medical care or time off work. (Section A-2.1)

Following the rules and laws that are in place, such as workplace safety rules set by WorkSafeBC. (Section A-2.5)

A small, enclosed area with limited entry and exit that is not meant for people to stay in for long periods. (Section A-1.4)

Work that involves building, fixing, or repairing things like houses, buildings, pipes, or plumbing systems. (Section A-2.1)

A portable heater used at building sites to keep the air warm while workers are constructing or repairing a building. It helps dry materials like paint or concrete and keeps workers safe and comfortable in cold weather. Construction heaters can run on electricity, propane, natural gas, or diesel fuel. (Section A-5.3)

A marked area within a minimum of 2 metres of the edge of a structure or building that has a flat or low-sloped roof where special safety rules apply.  (Section A-4.2)

In fire safety, means lowering the temperature of a fire, usually by adding water, so it no longer has enough heat to keep burning. (Section A-5.1)

Something that can burn, eat away, or damage materials like skin, eyes, or metal. Corrosive substances can cause serious injuries if they touch your body, so they must be handled very carefully. (Section A-3.5)

Certified by the Canadian Standards Association to meet safety standards. (Section A-4.1)

A safety device used in fall protection that slows down a person during a fall to reduce the force of impact and help prevent serious injury. (Section A-4.2)

A person who relies on a worker for money or care, such as a child or a spouse. (Section A-2.1)

A skin problem that causes redness, dryness, or irritation. (Section A-4.1)

The easiest injury costs to see and understand; they include emergency room and doctor visits, medical bills, medicines, rehabilitation, and lost wages. Direct costs are covered by a company’s insurance. (Section A-1.1)

A fire extinguisher that uses powder to put out a fire. (Section A-5.2)

Very small, dry particles that float in the air and can be breathed in, sometimes causing lung damage. (Section A-1.3)

A safe way to get out of a place. It usually refers to doors, hallways, stairs, or exits that people use to leave a building quickly and safely, especially in an emergency. (Section A-1.2)

A clearly marked way out of a building that is used during an emergency. (Section A-1.5)

A switch that quickly turns off power to equipment during an emergency. (Section A-1.5)

A person or company that hires workers and pays them to do a job, such as a plumbing business owner. (Section A-2.1)

Having a job where a person works for an employer and gets paid. (Section A-2.1)

Electrical equipment that is connected to power. (Section A-5.2)

How your body fits and works with your tools and workspace. (Section A-4.3)

The removal of ground material by digging in order to bury or access pipelines, conduits, foundations, etc. (Section A-1.2)

In WHMIS, a product or situation that is not covered by certain federal or provincial WHMIS rules. Even when a product is excluded, workers must still be told about any health or safety risks and how to use the product safely. (Section A-3.3)

A substance used to put out a fire. (Section A-5.1)

A system that prevents a worker from reaching an edge where they could fall. (Section A-4.2)

A portable device used to put out small fires when they first start. (Section A-1.5)

A system in a building that sprays water automatically when it detects heat from a fire. (Section A-5.4)

A model that adds a chemical chain reaction as the fourth part needed to sustain a fire. (Section A-5.1)

A model showing that fuel, oxygen, and heat are needed for a fire to start. (Section A-5.1)

A trained person who watches for fires during and after hot work. (Section A-5.3)

tools used to control or put out fires. (Section A-5.4)

A place where supplies and equipment are kept to treat injuries until medical help arrives. (Section A-1.5)

Putting out a small fire right away before it grows bigger. (Section A-5.4)

Able to catch fire easily. (Section A-5.2)

Liquids that can easily catch fire, especially when their vapours mix with air. (Section A-1.4)

The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off vapour that can ignite with a spark or flame. (Section A-5.1)

A powered machine used to lift and move heavy loads. (Section A-4.3)

A false or dishonest report about a work injury or illness, made to try to receive benefits that the worker is not entitled to. (Section A-2.2)

In fire safety, any material that can burn. (Section A-5.1)

The material that is burning in a fire. (Section A-5.4)

A safety harness worn over the shoulders and legs to protect a worker during a fall. (Section A-4.2)

Breathing in harmful smoke or gases. (Section A-5.4)

A low-density chemical compound that normally fills the space in which it is released. It has no physical shape or form.

An international system that uses the same symbols, labels, and safety information to explain the dangers of chemicals and how to use them safely. (Section A-3.1)

A safety device that quickly shuts off electricity to prevent shocks. (Section A-1.4)

Connecting electrical tools or equipment to the ground so electricity can flow safely if there is a fault. (Section A-1.4)

Safety barriers placed along edges or openings to prevent falls. (Section A-1.4)

Anything at work that could cause injury, illness, or harm, such as unsafe tools, chemicals, or dangerous conditions. (Section A-2.1)

Identifying physical and health hazards in the workplace. (Section A-1.1).

A group that shows the type of danger a product has, such as fire or health risks. (Section A-3.1)

Air that is dangerous to breathe because it contains smoke, chemicals, or toxic gases. (Section A-5.4)

A substance that can harm people or cause damage if it is not used safely. (Section A-3.1)

Examples include: overexposure to harmful dusts, chemicals, or radiation. (Section A-1.1 and Section A-3.1)

Cover the cost of medical care a worker needs after being hurt or becoming ill at work, such as doctor visits, hospital care, medicine, or therapy. (Section A-2.2)

Metals that can build up in the body over time and cause serious health problems: lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. (Section A-1.3)

Clothing that is bright and easy to see, especially around vehicles or machinery. (Section A-4.1)

A device used to lift heavy objects using a rope or chain. (Section A-4.3)

Rough play, joking, or fighting at work that can cause accidents or injuries. (Section A-1.4)

Any process or temporary work done that could result in a fire.

A written safety approval required before doing work that creates heat or sparks. (Section A-5.3)

Keeping the work area clean, organized, and free of clutter to prevent accidents. (Section A-1.4)

A way to keep a trench safe by using metal supports pushed into place with hydraulic pressure. These supports press against the trench walls to stop the soil from collapsing while workers are inside. (Section A-1.2)

Chemical substances made of hydrogen and carbon that can burn, such as gasoline. (Section A-5.3)

The condition in which your body loses heat at a rate greater than you are able to produce it. (Section A-1.1)

The temperature at which a substance starts to burn. (Section A-5.1)

An injury or illness happened while a worker was doing something connected to their job, even if it did not happen directly at the worksite. (Section A-2.2)

An event at work that causes, or could cause, an injury or illness, such as a fall, cut, or equipment malfunction. Section A-2.4)

A very small fire that has just started. (Section A-5.4)

Often overlooked; costs can amount to up to four times the direct cost of the injury; include administrative time dealing with the injury and medical care, loss of production, raises in premiums, replacing the injured employee’s lost hours of employment by hiring another employee, loss of reputation and confidence in employees and clients, unwanted media attention, and more.

A group of businesses that do the same type of work, such as plumbing, construction, or trades. (Section A-2.1)

Regular payments employers make to WorkSafeBC to pay for workplace insurance, which helps cover the costs of injuries, illnesses, and lost wages. (Section A-2.2)

Problems at work where the rules for health and safety are not being followed. For example, if safety gear is missing, training was not provided, or unsafe work is allowed. (Section A-2.3)

Each step of a task is examined for potential hazards. (Section A-1.1)

A safety tag or sticker on a product container that shows hazards, symbols, and basic safety information. (Section A-3.2)

A flexible line of webbing, or a synthetic or wire rope used to secure a safety belt or full body harness to a lifeline or anchor. (Section A-4.2)

A toxic metal sometimes found in old paint or pipes that can cause poisoning if breathed in or swallowed. (Section A-1.3)

A rope or cable that connects a worker to a secure anchor point. (Section A-4.2)

Used to calculate compensation when a worker is unable to return to work for more than 10 weeks, using special rules to fairly reflect the worker’s normal earnings. (Section A-2.2)

Dangers that harm your health slowly over time instead of causing an immediate injury. (Section A-1.3)

A safe way to exit a building during an emergency

Machines or equipment used to help lift or move heavy objects. (Section A-4.3)

A close relative, such as a parent, child, sibling, or spouse. (Section A-2.1)

A toxic metal that can harm the brain and nervous system if people are exposed to it. (Section A-1.3)

A type of fungus that grows on damp materials and releases spores that can make people sick. (Section A-1.3)

An extinguisher that can be used on more than one class of fire. (Section A-5.2)

Injuries that affect muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves and often happen from repeated movements, heavy lifting, or working in awkward positions over time. These injuries can cause pain, stiffness, or swelling and usually develop slowly rather than all at once.

A muster point is a safe meeting place where everyone goes during an emergency so workers can be counted and kept safe. (Section A-1.5)

A respirator that pulls air through a filter when you breathe in. (Section A-4.1)

A number that shows how much noise hearing protection can block. (Section A-4.1)

Something a person is required to do by law or rules, such as reporting a workplace injury.

An illness caused by a worker’s job or work environment, such as lung disease from dust or hearing loss from loud noise. (Section A-2.4)

The release of chemicals from non-metallic substances; anytime there’s an odour from a substance, that’s off-gassing; some off-gassing is odourless, which makes detection difficult.

(Occupational Health and Safety regulation) a set of safety rules that explain how workplaces must protect workers’ health and safety. (Section A-2.5)

The end of a pipe where the flange is not covered or sealed, allowing liquid or gas to flow through the pipe.

A chemical reaction where a substance combines with oxygen. (Section A-5.1)

A substance that helps something burn by providing oxygen or a similar effect. (Section A-5.1)

A gas in the air that supports burning. (Section A-5.1)

A protective layer in the atmosphere that shields Earth from harmful sun rays. (Section A-5.2)

Payments given to a worker who has a lasting injury that affects their ability to work, even after medical treatment is finished. (Section A-2.2)

Any human being, including a worker, employer, or family member. (Section A-2.1)

Safety gear such as gloves, goggles, or boots worn to protect the body. (Section A-1.4; Section A-4.1)

Examples: moving objects, fluctuating temperatures, high-intensity lighting, rolling or pinching hazards, electrical connections, and sharp edges (Section A-1.1 and Section A-3.1).

A symbol that quickly shows what kind of hazard a product has; used on safety labels in WHMIS. (Section A-3.1)

To turn your whole body using your feet instead of twisting your back. (Section A-4.3)

A small device you can carry that sprays chemicals or water to put out a fire. (Section A-5.4)

A respirator that pushes clean air into the mask to keep harmful air out. (Section A-4.1)

The way you hold your body when standing, sitting, or lifting. (Section A-4.3)

Containing air or gas that is tightly packed inside to push something out. (Section A-5.4)

Strong containers that hold gases under high pressure. (Section A-5.3)

The process a worker follows when they have reasonable cause to believe that doing a task or using equipment would create an undue hazard and could put them in danger. (Section A-2.5)

Work done close to a hazard without touching it, which requires extra caution. (Section A-1.4)

Cleaned out to remove gases or dangerous substances. (Section A-5.3)

Having a good and sensible reason to think something is unsafe, based on what a typical worker would notice or understand. (Section A-2.5)

To look at a decision again to see if it should be changed. (Section A-2.1)

A rule made to explain how a law should be followed, such as safety rules for plumbing work. (Section A-2.1)

To start burning again after being put out (Section A-5.4)

Material left behind after something is used. (Section A-5.2)

A mask or device worn to protect your lungs from dust, fumes, or harmful gases. (Section A-4.1)

Money paid to a worker after they stop working, often because they are older or injured. (Section A-2.1)

A safety line that automatically extends and retracts as a worker moves. If the worker falls, the lifeline quickly locks to stop the fall and help prevent injury. (Section A-4.2)

A device used to connect the lanyard to a vertical lifeline; it moves along the lifeline and locks in place if a fall occurs. (Section A-4.2)

A lifting system that uses a rope and wheel to raise heavy items. (Section A-4.3)

Being alert and paying attention to your surroundings to avoid danger at work. (Section A-1.4)

Documents that explain the hazards of a product and give important information on how to use, store, and handle it safely, and what to do in an emergency. (Section A-3.1 and Section A-3.2)

A trained person who watches workers in a control zone to help prevent falls. (Section A-4.2)

A meeting or training that explains job site rules, hazards, and emergency procedures before work begins. (Section A-1.4)

A temporary platform used to work at heights. (Section A-4.3)

A breathing device with its own air tank worn on the back. (Section A-4.1)

Services that provide financial support and help to the family of a worker who dies because of a work-related injury or illness. (Section A-2.2)

An electrical problem where electricity flows the wrong way and can cause sparks or fire. (Section A-5.3)

Used to calculate a worker’s compensation for the first 10 weeks after a work-related injury or illness, based on the worker’s usual take-home pay. (Section A-2.2)

Any hazard that may cause injury and/or illness and that may be remedied in a short period of time. (Section A-1.2)

In fire safety, means putting out a fire by cutting off its oxygen supply, so the fire cannot continue to burn. (Section A-5.1)

A self-locking metal hook used to connect lanyards to rope grabs, harnesses, and horizontal lifelines on fall protection equipment. (Section A-4.2)

A portable heater used to warm a room or work area. (Section A-5.3)

A round plate with a small tab that is placed between two pipe flanges in order to lock out certain piping sections.

A metal safety device placed between pipe flanges to stop liquid or gas from flowing through a pipe. It has one solid side that blocks the pipe and one open side that allows flow. Turning it to the solid side makes the pipe safe to work on by fully blocking the flow.

The backbone that supports your body and protects your spinal cord. (Section A-4.3)

In fire safety, putting out a fire by removing its fuel source so it no longer has anything to burn. (Section A-5.1)

A safety system that removes built-up electricity to prevent sparks. (Section A-5.3)

A number that shows how well sunscreen protects your skin from sunburn. (Section A-4.1)

The label placed on a product by the supplier that shows hazards and safe handling information. (Section A-3.1)

Safety labels put on hazardous products by the supplier. They show important information such as hazards, symbols, and safety warnings to help workers use the product safely. (Section A-3.2)

The adjustable strap system inside a hard hat that helps absorb impact. (Section A-4.1)

Often used for routine or recurring tasks, which involves completing a pre-printed checklist. (Section A-1.1)

A phone-based reporting service offered by WorkSafeBC that lets workers or employers report a workplace injury or occupational disease by telephone rather than submitting a form online or on paper.

A way to keep a trench safe by using wooden boards and supports to hold up the sides of the trench. The wood is placed against the trench walls to help stop the soil from collapsing while workers are inside. (Section A-1.2)

A Canadian system that uses special labels and colours to warn people about dangerous materials being moved from one place to another. Some colours, like orange, are already used by TDG to show specific dangers (such as explosives), so those colours cannot be used for other safety labels because it could cause confusion.

Prefabricated structures. These are not adjustable within the trench and are designed to protect the workers, should a collapse occur, whereas shoring is designed to prevent the walls from collapsing. (Figure 3, Section A-1.2)

A way to hold up the sides of a trench so they do not fall in. Strong supports, such as metal or wooden panels, are placed against the trench walls to keep workers safe while they work inside. (Section A-1.2)

A way to make a trench safer by cutting the sides at an angle instead of straight up and down. The sloped sides help stop the soil from collapsing into the trench. (Section A-1.2)

Special types of excavations in which the depth exceeds the width. Sometimes the terms excavation and trench are used interchangeably, but there is a difference: trenches are narrow and workers can easily become trapped. (Section A-1.2)

Invisible rays from the sun that can damage your skin. (Section A-4.1)

A number that shows how well clothing blocks harmful UV rays. (Section A-4.1)

A serious or unnecessary danger that could cause harm to a worker. (Section A-2.5)

Services like electricity, water, and gas, and the switches or valves used to turn them off in an emergency. (Section A-1.5)

A gas produced by evaporation.

Moving fresh air into a work area to remove harmful fumes, gases, or dust. (Section A-1.4)

Chemicals that often come from various household products like paints, lacquer, printers, pesticides, cleaning supplies, carpets and adhesives; known to cause nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to the central nervous system. Always increase ventilation during the period of VOC off-gassing and consider using an air purifier.

Payments given to a worker who cannot work because of a job-related injury or illness, to replace some of the wages they are missing. (Section A-2.2)

Elevated or suspended surfaces, such as scaffolds or lifts, used to work at heights. (Section A-1.4)

A person who does a job for an employer, such as a plumber or construction worker. (Section A-2.1)

A law that explains how workers are protected if they are injured or become ill because of their job, and how employers must help pay for this protection. (Section A-2.2)

Independent agents that enforce provincial mandates in the area of workers’ health and safety and compensation. WorkSafeBC is the agent for WCB in British Columbia. (Section A-1.1)

A safety system that helps workers understand the dangers of hazardous products and how to use them safely at work. (Section A-3.2)

A safety label added by the employer at the workplace. They are used when a product is transferred to another container or when the original supplier label is missing, and they explain the hazards and safe handling of the product. (Section A-3.3)