18 roles and hazards
Forklift / lift truck operator
Lift trucks must meet CAN/CSA B335 (cited as B335-15 in the Regulation). Operator training must meet Clause 6 of that standard. The operator must inspect the truck before it is first operated on a shift, and the employer keeps a defect record for at least 2 years.
OHS Regulation, ss. 16.3 and 16.43 (Part 16 Mobile Equipment)
Aerial lift, scissor lift and boom lift operator (elevating work platform)
Elevating work platforms have specific requirements for manuals, warning devices, controls, records and inspection. A person on an EWP must wear personal fall arrest, with an exemption for scissor lifts set out in the Regulation. Workers may only operate equipment after adequate instruction and training (s. 4.10).
Anyone working at height
A fall protection system must be used where a fall of 3 m or more may occur (or a shorter fall with greater injury risk). Workers must be instructed in the system for the area. A written fall protection plan is required in specified cases such as a potential fall of 7.5 m or more with no permanent guardrails.
Ladder user
Portable ladders must be on firm, level footing, set at about 75 degrees, extend about 1 m above an upper landing and be secured. Use a work platform if the work cannot be done safely from a ladder.
OHS Regulation, ss. 13.5 and 13.6 (Part 13 Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms)
Worker handling hazardous products (WHMIS)
Hazardous products may not be used, stored or handled unless labels, SDSs and worker education and training are in place. Employers must have a WHMIS program, with training specific to the workplace.
OHS Regulation, ss. 5.4 to 5.7 (Part 5 Chemical and Biological Substances)
Asbestos abatement worker
Workers at risk of asbestos exposure must be instructed and trained. Asbestos abatement work requires a valid asbestos certificate, issued by WorkSafeBC or by a person acceptable to the Board, and employers must confirm each worker holds one.
OHS Regulation, ss. 6.1, 6.2.1, 6.2.2 and 6.11 (Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements)
Confined space entrant, attendant or supervisor
Anyone with duties related to confined space entry must be adequately instructed and trained in the hazards and the written procedures. Entry permits, a trained supervisor and rescue arrangements are required.
OHS Regulation, ss. 9.7, 9.8 and 9.13 to 9.16 (Part 9 Confined Spaces)
Mobile crane, tower crane or boom truck operator
A crane or hoist may only be operated by a qualified person instructed in the equipment. Mobile cranes, tower cranes and boom trucks require an operator's certificate from a person acceptable to the Board.
OHS Regulation, ss. 14.34 and 14.34.1 (Part 14 Cranes and Hoists)
Maintenance worker servicing machinery (lockout)
Energy sources must be isolated and locked out when unexpected start-up or energy release could injure someone, with written procedures and personal locks.
OHS Regulation, ss. 10.2 to 10.9 (Part 10 De-energization and Lockout)
Respirator user
Where respirators are required there must be a written respirator program, reviewed annually. Fit testing is required before first use and at least yearly, and a user seal check is done before each use.
Worker exposed to silica dust (cutting or grinding concrete, masonry, stone)
Where workers may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica the employer needs a risk assessment, an exposure control plan and worker instruction and training.
Worker exposed to lead
Before workers do work that may expose them to lead, a qualified person must complete a risk assessment. An exposure control plan and worker instruction and training provisions also apply.
OHS Regulation, ss. 6.58.1 to 6.69 (Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements)
Worker at risk of workplace violence
Where violence may pose a risk of injury the employer must carry out a risk assessment, set procedures and policies, and inform and instruct at-risk workers.
OHS Regulation, ss. 4.27 to 4.31 (Part 4 General Conditions)
Worker exposed to hot or cold conditions
Employers must assess heat stress and cold stress risks and put exposure control plans in place, including drinking water, work-rest cycles and warming provisions where required.
OHS Regulation, ss. 7.27 to 7.38 (Part 7 Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature)
Worker exposed to noise above 85 dBA
Exposure may not exceed 85 dBA Lex or 140 dBC peak. Where it does, a noise control and hearing conservation program applies, with hearing protection, training and annual hearing tests after an initial test within 6 months.
OHS Regulation, ss. 7.2 to 7.9 (Part 7 Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature)
Worker doing repetitive or heavy manual tasks
Employers must identify and assess musculoskeletal injury risk factors and eliminate or minimize the risk. Workers must be educated on risk factors and early signs and trained in the controls.
OHS Regulation, ss. 4.46 to 4.53 (Part 4 General Conditions)
All workers: fire prevention and emergency evacuation
Workers must receive instruction in fire prevention and emergency evacuation procedures.
Driver or shipper handling dangerous goods by road (federal)
The federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Part 6, Training) set the training certificate requirements for people who handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods. This is federal law, not part of the B.C. OHS Regulation.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, Part 6 (Justice Laws)
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Things to know before you rely on this table
- This is a summary of selected sections of the B.C. Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, which applies to most workplaces under WorkSafeBC's jurisdiction. Federally regulated workplaces follow the Canada Labour Code and Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Other provinces have their own rules.
- Where the Regulation says "adequate instruction and training" it does not name a particular course or certificate. Employers decide what is adequate for the work, and the Regulation sets some specific certificate requirements (for example asbestos abatement and mobile crane operation).
- Equipment training such as forklift and aerial lift operation normally includes both theory and a hands-on evaluation on the machine. An online course covers the theory part only.
- A course listed here is a way to cover the training topic. Taking it does not by itself make an employer compliant.
- Sections change. Always confirm against the current Regulation, linked in each row. This page was last checked in October 2026.
Training cost help for B.C. employers
Employers in B.C. may be able to claim back part of eligible training costs through the B.C. Employer Training Grant. Check eligibility and apply before the training starts.
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Sources
- B.C. OHS Regulation (WorkSafeBC searchable version)
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Justice Laws)
Regulation references were checked against the online OHS Regulation in October 2026. Regulations change: confirm against the current text and your employer procedures. General information, not legal advice.