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New WCB regulation to protect late-night workers best in North America says B.C. Federation of Labour
October 4, 2007
VANCOUVER - A new Worker's Compensation Board (WCB) Regulation to protect late-night workers is the best in North America says Jim Sinclair, President of the B.C. Federation of Labour.
Earlier today, the WCB announced its Board of Directors approved a new regulation requiring employers to ensure that late-night retail workers would either work with at least one other worker or the employer must implement security measures including locked doors and physical barriers to prevent access to the worker.
In response to the Federation's ongoing Campaign, last year the WCB conducted an enforcement blitz of gas stations that, according to the agency, "resulted in every inspection documenting violations and issuing orders".
"We do know that regulations alone aren't enough. Enforcing these new rules is the only way to ensure workers will be safe," stated Sinclair. The regulation, which was reviewed in public hearings earlier this summer, reflects the ongoing call from the Federation for tougher laws to protect late-night workers.
Sinclair thanked the Board for their serious and sincere attention to this issue. "Today, BC's WCB can be seen as health and safety leaders for recognizing the risk facing late-night workers. I'm hopeful their step to introduce this new law will set a precedent to be followed by health and safety agencies across North America."
The Federation also thanked the family of Grant DePatie, the young worker who was killed in 2005, following a gas-and-dash in Maple Ridge, BC. Doug DePatie, Grant's father, called the new regulation a tribute to Grant. "While we will live the rest of our lives with only Grant's memory, our family is proud that, thanks to Grant, other young workers will be safer on the job."
"Despite suffering such personal tragedy, the DePatie and Crellin families worked hard to ensure that no other worker would have to face the same risk their son and grandson did. Without their support, this regulation would not be here today," concluded Sinclair.
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For more information contact: Jessie Uppal 604-430-1421 or 604-220-0739.
