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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
A confined space is defined as a place:
  • 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:
Hazard Assessment:
  • 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.
Confined Space Program:
  • 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.
Training:
  • Once a program is in place, the employer must provide training to employees who enter a confined space or who perform related work.
For more information on RiskCheck’s Confined Space Assessments, please contact us using the form on this page, or call email [email protected]