WCB's new and young workers starter kit

Described as the most substantial change to the Workers' Compensation Act since its inception, the new regulations governing new and young workers came into effect in 2007 and all BC businesses need to ensure they are in compliance. WorkSafeBC defines a new worker as anyone that is new to your workplace and young workers means any worker under 25 years of age.  

Here are some examples of the new regulations all businesses in BC need to comply with:

• All new and young workers must be given a health and safety orientation prior to starting employment.
• Employers must document all orientation and training provided to new and young workers.
• Employers must have written safe work procedures to cover working alone or in isolation, workplace violence and emergency procedures.

CFIB has been working closely with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) to ensure that the right information is getting out to our members. When the new regulations governing new and young workers came into effect, we put together a starter kit to help you get in compliance. Only the poster needs to be printed the rest of the documents can be saved to your computer and used as templates.

The new and young workers starter kit

• Notice to Workers Poster:  WCB requires that every business in BC have this poster posted by the employer in a conspicuous place. It provides information to employees on how to prevent injuries, what to do in the event of an injury, how to claim compensation, and where to get assistance with a claim.
• Worker orientation checklist: This sample worker orientation checklist will help ensure that proper training is provided to your new employees. Remember all training must be documented and kept as proof for WCB.
• Creating an informal safety program for small business:  This WCB guide provides information for small businesses (employing fewer than 20 people) on what a safety program should look like and has a sample guide at the end of the document. All new and young workers must be given a health and safety orientation prior to starting employment.
• Workplace Violence Policy: Employees who experience violence in the course of their work are covered under the Workers Compensation Act, and employers must provide a workplace as safe from the threat of violence as possible. This WCB guide provides an explanation on how to implement a workplace violence policy and provides a template for a written policy.
• Working Alone or in Isolation: Working alone or in isolation is defined by WCB as working in circumstances where assistance would not be readily available to the worker in case of an emergency, or in case the worker is injured or in ill health. New WCB regulations in effect require employers to have a policy in place to protect employees that work under these conditions.
• Basic Emergency Management Planning:  All businesses are required to have emergency procedures in place in case of a disaster.  This handout provides helpful tips and a worksheet small businesses can follow to ensure their business is ready.