Confined Space Violation Cost BC Employer $637k in Fines
Metro Vancouver Regional District was recently fined $637,416 by WorkSafeBC for violations relating to confined space. Read the full article here.
If you think you may have a confined space on your property, or you’re in need of a confined space hazard assessment, please contact RiskCheck today. Here’s some info to help you decide whether a confined space assessment might be necessary:
What is a confined space?
Under Regulation 632/05–Confined Spaces
- that is partially or fully enclosed
- that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy
- where atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location, or contents, or because of work that is done in it.
The main elements required by the regulation include:
- Includes having a person with adequate knowledge, training and experience identify and evaluate every confined space to determine whether it is possible to eliminate the atmospheric hazard completely and to provide a confined space inventory.
- This includes the development and maintenance (includes updating program) of a written confined space program meeting the requirements of the regulation and must be completed prior to any worker entering a confined space.
- Once a program is in place, the employer must provide training to employees who enter a confined space or who perform related work.