British Columbia will become the first Canadian jurisdiction to implement asbestos abatement licensing requirements. The new Workers Compensation Act standards will mandate licensing for asbestos abatement contractors in British Columbia.
As per the act, workers and employers involved in asbestos abatement must undergo mandatory safety training and certification. Asbestos abatement work includes assessing, removing, repairing, transporting, and disposing of materials that may contain asbestos.
Harry Bains, labour minister, stressed the importance of these changes due to the latent and deadly nature of asbestos—with its symptoms appearing years after exposure and it being responsible for 280 deaths in the past five years.
The proposed amendments aim to enhance regulations for asbestos abatement work, filling a gap in B.C.’s safety framework. WorkSafeBC reported unsafe practices by contractors, including untrained workers conducting abatement.
These changes stem from recommendations by a government cross-ministry asbestos working group. Many of B.C.’s buildings were constructed with asbestos-containing materials, increasing exposure risks during renovations or demolitions. Establishing competency requirements for handling this hazardous substance is seen as a crucial step to safeguard people and the environment.
Since 2000, asbestos has been the cause of more than 50 per cent of all work-related occupational disease deaths and approximately 33 per cent of all work-related deaths.
Asbestos was widely used in Canadian construction until the late 1980s, posing risks during renovation or demolition of older structures. It becomes hazardous when disturbed, releasing inhalable or ingestible fibres.
“Many buildings in B.C. were constructed during the peak use of asbestos-containing building products. These buildings are now at an age where renovation or demolition is required. The potential for exposure to asbestos in the construction industry has never been greater. I am very pleased to see a competency requirement for those who handle this hazardous material,” says Don Whyte, industry advocate and former executive director, Hazardous Materials Association
