A-2.5 Use the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
The purpose of the OHS Regulation is to promote occupational health and safety and to protect workers and others present at workplaces from work-related risks to their health, safety, and well-being. Compliance with the requirements provides the basis on which workers and employers, in co-operation, can solve workplace health and safety problems. The requirements are not an end in themselves but are a foundation on which to build an effective health and safety program.
OHS Regulation Organization
The OHS Regulation has 34 parts. Note: Part 33, Occupational First Aid, was repealed by B.C. Reg. 348/2003, effective March 30, 2004. Each Part covers a particular topic related to safety in the workplace (see Table 1).
| 1. Definitions | 18. Traffic Control |
| 2. Application | 19. Electrical Safety |
| 3. Rights and Responsibilities | 20. Construction, Excavation and Demolition |
| 4. General Conditions | 21. Blasting Operations |
| 5. Chemical Agents and Biological Agents | 22. Underground Workings |
| 6. Substance Specific Requirements | 23. Oil and Gas |
| 7. Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature | 24. Diving, Fishing and Other Marine Operations |
| 8. Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment | 25. Camps |
| 9. Confined Spaces | 26. Forestry Operations and Similar Activities |
| 10. De-energization and Lockout | 27. Wood Products Manufacturing |
| 11. Fall Protection | 28. Agriculture |
| 12. Tools, Machinery and Equipment | 29. Aircraft Operations |
| 13. Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms | 30. Laboratories |
| 14. Cranes and Hoists | 31. Firefighting |
| 15. Rigging | 32. Evacuation and Rescue |
| 16. Mobile Equipment | 33. Not in effect |
| 17. Transportation of Workers | 34. Rope access |
The titles of the Parts are grouped as follows:
- Parts 1–4: Core Requirements apply to all workplaces
- Parts 5–19: General Hazard Requirements deal with general hazards found in a number of workplaces, usually higher-hazard operations
- Parts 20–32 and 34: Industry/Activity-Specific Requirements deal with specific industries or specific hazardous activities
Rights and Responsibilities
In Part 3 of the Regulation, “Rights and Responsibilities” Section 3.12 Procedure for refusal explains that you have the right to refuse to do any act or operate any tool, appliance or equipment when you have reasonable cause to believe that to do so would put you in danger.
OHS Guidelines
When you read the language in the Regulation, you may sometimes encounter wording that can be interpreted in different ways.
For example, the “Procedure for refusal” section uses the wording “reasonable cause to believe” and “undue hazard.” In many situations, these terms are straightforward to apply. However, in some situations, it may be more difficult to determine whether a worker has reasonable cause to believe there is an undue hazard. For this reason, many parts of the OHS Regulation have associated OHS Guidelines, which are used to help interpret and apply the Regulation.
If you are looking at a section of the Regulation on the WorkSafeBC website or app, you can consult the related guidelines, which explain how to determine whether a worker has “reasonable cause to believe” that an undue hazard exists or would be created, and what qualifies as an “undue hazard.” The guidelines also describe the investigation process for a work refusal, including situations where the procedure under section 3.12(3) of the Regulation has not resolved the work stoppage.
Using the OHS Regulation
It is important that a worker be able to locate and interpet regulations that deal with situations that commonly arise in the trades. The Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Regulation is an important resource, and familiarity with its contents is essential for all tradespeople. Using the online search tool is a helpful aid for identifying or confirming regulations that apply to specific situations you may encounter on your job site.
Self-Test A-2.5: Use the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
Complete Self-Test A-2.5 and check your answers.
If you are using a printed copy, please find Self-Test A-2.5 and Answer Key at the end of this section. If you prefer, you can scan the QR code with your digital device to go directly to the interactive Self-Test.
References
BC Industry Training Authority. (2019). Piping trades apprenticeship program: Perform safety related functions—Level 1 harmonized [Binder]. Crown Publications, Queen’s Printer for British Columbia. https://www.crownpub.bc.ca/Product/Details/7960000260_S
Camosun College. (2015). Line A: Safe Work Practices — Competency A-2: Describe WorkSafeBC regulations (BCcampus). https://collection.bccampus.ca/textbook/4x48JUbq/
Camosun College. (2015). Trades Access Common Core Competency A-2: Describe WorkSafeBC regulations. Victoria, B.C.: Crown Publications. Download for free from the B.C. Open Textbook Collection (https://open.bccampus.ca/browse-ourcollection/find-open-textbooks/).
WorkSafeBC. (n.d.). Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation
WorkSafeBC. (n.d.). OHS Regulation Part 03: Rights and responsibilities, section 3.12. https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation/part-03-rights-and-responsibilities#SectionNumber:3.12
Following the rules and laws that are in place, such as workplace safety rules set by WorkSafeBC. (Section A-2.5)
(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 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)
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)
A serious or unnecessary danger that could cause harm to a worker. (Section A-2.5)
