WCB Orders Richmond Health Authority To Comply With Regulations
WorkSafe BC has written orders to Richmond Health Authority as a result of the employer’s violation of protocol for Joint Health and Safety Committee meetings.
The employer had been holding irregular Joint Health and Safety Committee meetings that had more management representatives than worker representatives. According to the Workers Compensation Act, “at least half the members must be worker representatives”. At the time of the investigation by WorkSafe BC, the Committee had 7 employer representatives, and only 5 worker representatives.
WorkSafe BC has written orders to the employer to follow the regulations set out in the Act, and that means ensuring at least half of the Committee are worker representatives. The orders also state that the Committee meetings are to take place on a regular basis, in accordance with the Act.
“The Joint Health and Safety Committee meetings are to be used as a prevention tool,” says UFCW 1518 President Ivan Limpright. “These Committee meetings are an opportunity for union members and management to work cooperatively to develop a safer work environment. It is a basic responsibility that management has to abide by the regulations, and we hope that these orders will put the employer on the right track towards focusing on Health and Safety.”
