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Member Highlights:
Safety Assessments + Consultations: Air Quality Assessment, Combustible Dust Assessment, Confined Spaces Assessment, Critical Incident Response Services, Ergonomics, Machine Safeguarding Assessment, Noise Hazards | Surveys and Testing Services
Advisor Services: Safety Needs Analysis | GAP Analysis, Safety Program Support (SPS) | Safety Compliance Support (SCS)
Leadership and Psychological Safety Services: Mental Health and Wellness at Work, Leadership Training and Coaching, Respectful Workplace Support
By Type: Checklists, Guidebooks, Presentations, Quick Reference Cards, Safety Awareness Posters, Safety Videos, Templates, Toolbox Talks, Webinars
OHS Competency Tools and Framework:
Getting Certified: Steps to OSSE Certification, COR for Small Business, Safety Needs Analysis | GAP Analysis, COR / OSSE Small Business Referral Program, Certified OSSE/COR External Auditors
Certification Tools & Training: OSSE/COR Audit Tools, OSSE/COR Reference Materials, Certified OSSE External Auditor Training, OSSE/COR Internal Auditor Training
12
Months
of Safety
of Safety
August 2024
Fit For Duty After an Injury
What is fit for duty? This term refers to a worker’s ability to undertake, safely, the demands of their job. In the case of an injury this can look different from person to person and vary by situation.
Injured workers returning to work while still recovering require suitable work/duties and a healthy dose of support (accommodation). Both the worker and the business benefit by maintaining connections and preventing long term disability. However, the key to making this successful, and safe, is healthy collaboration between both the employer and the employee.
In BC, “the provincial government made amendments to the Workers Compensation Act that affect return to work. Effective January 1, 2024, employers and workers have a legal duty to cooperate with each other and with WorkSafeBC in timely and safe return to work following a worker’s injury, and certain employers have an obligation to return injured workers to work in specific circumstances.” (www.worksafebc.com)
Considerations for returning to work as fit for duty after an injury include:
- Having a “Fit For Duty” policy, preferably in the employee handbook
- Following a return-to-work plan co-created by both the worker and the supervisor
- Providing suitable work/duty assignments for the employee and reasonable for the employer
- Identifying workspace issues and factors that may impact the worker in their activities
- Scheduling implications for the employee in terms of flexibility for appointments, etc.
- Reviewing current skills and abilities and potential (re)training
Basic Training
A comprehensive full-day workshop, Core Competencies for People Leaders is designed to equip leaders with critical interpersonal and soft skills.
Course
Ergonomics is concerned with the “fit” between the user, equipment and environment. Ergonomics takes into account users’ capabilities and limitations to ensure tasks, functions, information and the environment suit each user. This course provides information to managers, supervisors and employees on proper ergonomic design to prevent repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Course
Ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. This course builds on the fundamentals of Ergonomics and assists managers, supervisors, and employees in implementing a musculoskeletal injuries/disorder reduction program.
Fatigue is more than feeling tired and drowsy. Work fatigue is mental or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to work safely and effectively. This course explores fatigue-related risks in manufacturing, factors that influence fatigue, and solutions to mitigate the risks.
Videos & Webinars
Fit For Duty After an InjuryHealth and Safety Resources and Tools
safetyalliancebc.ca
A Culture of Safety We know that with proper training and easy to follow processes that every business is capable of reducing their injury rates. Safety Culture, however, is more than following the rules. Safety Culture is a value that never changes and isn’t subject to shifting priorities within an organization. When all levels of […]
The Return-to-Work (RTW) COR certification program will be discontinued after 2021.
Website
WorkSafeBC is the provincial agency dedicated to promoting safe and healthy workplaces across B.C. They partner with workers and employers to save lives and prevent work-related injury, disease, and disability.
Toolbox Talk
A musculoskeletal injury (MSI) is an injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissue, including a sprain, strain, and inflammation, which may be caused or aggravated by work. Well-known MSIs include sprains and strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, trigger finger, white finger diseases, and epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
Guidebook
The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC is proud to introduce the MSI Prevention Guide, a source of guidance to an organization in implementing an ergonomics program at their workplace.
Conference Session
In the Safety Committee Track, get an overview of important industrial safety topics to help you identify hazards and opportunities to improve workplace safety throughout your facility. Nearly 40 cents of every dollar spent on workplace injury claims in British Columbia are related to musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs)—strains, sprains, and inflammation that not only keep people […]
Ale (KSW Lawyer): If an employer terminates an employee within six months due to the injury, they may be liable for breaching the Duty to Maintain Employment. The determining factor is whether the termination was related to that worker’s compensable injury. WorkSafeBC wants to dissuade employers from terminating injured workers due to their injury and […]
Ale (KSW Lawyers): The Duty of Maintain Employment is not indefinite; it runs to the second anniversary of a worker’s date on injury. If a worker has been unable to return to work over two years from the date of injury, the obligation to maintain employment ends.
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): A worker can, but they are not obligated to, share their medical information. Many doctor’s reports can include information that is not relevant to the claim and is the confidential, private, information of the worked. For medical information to help identify suitable work, you can direct a worker to physiotherapy for the completion […]
Quick Reference Card
Every successful senior executive wants to reduce costs and improve productivity and profitability. Although meeting production schedules is traditionally seen as the highest priority, a business case can be made for seeing effective safety performance as an equally viable means of improving the bottom line. The cost of poor safety performance negatively impacts the bottom […]
TeksMed Service: Employers should keep in mind they do not NEED to wait for medical to make an offer of suitable/modified work. They can base the offer off common-sense restrictions (Ie: one-handed duties for a left-hand injury). Also, other treatment providers can provide limitations or assist in reviewing modified work (Ie: Physiotherapist). As WCB receives […]
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): The new legislation provides a legal framework for supporting an injured worker’s return to, or continuation of work.
Toolbox Talk
Recent changes to the Workers Compensation Act outline new requirements such as the Duty to Cooperate and the Duty to Maintain Employment for work-related (compensable) injuries. Both employers and workers are now legally required to maintain communication with each other and WorkSafeBC, participate in suitable work, and maintain a worker’s employment in many cases.
Toolbox Talk
Ergonomics works to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI), including damage to muscles, bones or joints through designed workplaces, equipment, systems, and work. On average, MSI claims are 34% of all WorkSafeBC claims. From 2011 to 2020, that was an average of 17,891 claims per year.
Quick Reference Card
Has been present ever since human beings began interacting with the environment. Ergonomics actually emerged as a scientific discipline in the 1940s due to the technological advances of World War II
Poster tips for stretches that can be done at any workstation throughout during periodic wellness breaks to counter stiffness from static work and potentially limit risk of sprains or strains in more active jobs.
Toolbox Talk
Fatigue is feeling tired weary from sleep, mental or physical work, or stress. Boring repetitive tasks can increase feelings of fatigue. Fatigue is either acute or chronic.
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): There is no limit prescribed. If the work is being completed regardless of accommodations than there is no effect. If providing accommodations becomes an undue hardship, then that will be reviewed. Make sure you document why an accommodation is not possible. Amanda (TeksMed Services): There is no set figure.
Amanda (TeksMed Services): Being on Probation does not bar a worker from claim, however the Duty to Maintain employment only applies to workers who have been employed for at least 12 months. Many workers have underlying or pre-existing conditions, the Board can consider accepting this as only an aggravation to a pre-existing condition and/or may […]
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): The duty to cooperate requires workers to “not unreasonably” refuse suitable work when it is made available by an employer with whom the worker has an existing employment relationship. If a worker refuses work duties that are suitable and available, WorkSafeBC will investigate to determine the reasonableness of the worker’s refusal. If WorkSafeBC […]
Ale (KSW Lawyer): The Duty to Cooperate is reciprocal. Employees also have a duty to communicate with the employer and WorkSafeBC. Failure to do so puts them at risk of losing claim benefits. The Duty to Cooperate is applicable to cases where a worker is disabled from earning full wages, even if they were employed […]
Ale (KSW Lawyers): Terminating a worker and paying them termination pay does not automatically cancel the Duty to Maintain Employment obligations. Employers may still be required to establish that the termination was unrelated to the injury under the WorkSafeBC system. Whether there was a breach of the Duty to Maintain Employment is determined on a […]
Toolbox Talk
Leadership allows leaders to influence to achieve a quality that inspires and attracts people to follow and demonstrates that a leader acts on the cause. A strong and visible leadership can help prevent accidents, injuries, and other risks. It also helps create a high standard of safety management and health.
Quick Reference Card
All incidents are preventable Occupational Health and Safety is an ethical responsibility Occupational Health and Safety is good business Occupational Health and Safety is a shared responsibility Occupational Health and Safety is a culture Occupational health and safety objectives and goals Occupational Health and Safety is universal
Presentation
This presentation was shared by Dr. Steve Conway, MSABC Mental Health and Wellness Director through a webinar on the impacts of organizational change on mental health on November 27, 2024.
Toolbox Talk
We lift, handle, and carry objects as part of work and our daily living. There is no legal threshold limiting what weight you can lift. At what point have you decided that lifting a specific item by yourself would NOT be a good idea? Have you ever been taught the right way to lift a load? Do you know the dos and don’ts for lifting?
Toolbox Talk
Manual materials handling is handling items by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, or restraining. It is the most common cause of occupational fatigue and lower back injuries. Three quarters of Canadians whose job includes manual handling suffer from back injury at some point. Many are unable to return to their jobs and some are […]
The goal of this self-assessment checklist is to help you to set up your office optimally for your self-productivity. This checklist is for reference only and does not replace an ergonomics workstation assessment carried out by a professional ergonomist.
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): I am not sure if that has been a consideration, as it is outside of my department, but if you would like to know, please send an email so that I can forward it to the appropriate department and try to find an answer for you.
safetyalliancebc.ca
Leadership Training and Coaching Management training, coaching, and advice for people leaders at all levels: Supervisors and managers Business owners, and executives People leaders play a crucial role in promoting employee mental health and well-being by fostering respectful workplaces where everyone feels safe and supported in their work. Leaders have a responsibility to identify and respond […]
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): Undue hardship refers to a point at which accommodating a worker becomes too difficult, unsafe, or costly for the employer. WorkSafeBC determines if the situation meets the undue hardship criteria on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of each situation. Employers are obligated to identify and offer work that is […]
safetyalliancebc.ca
Respectful Workplace Culture Expert training to build a respectful and inclusive workplace culture. Equip employees and people leaders to respond effectively to bullying, harassment, or workplace violence. A respectful workplace culture is vital in promoting employee mental health and well-being, as it fosters an environment where employees feel safe, valued, and supported. Addressing and responding to […]
Quick Reference Card
A stay-at-work/return-to-work program provides the financial, social, and psychological benefits and stability of remaining in the workforce while injured or unwell.
Conference Session
2025-10-08 13:55:00
Explore practical, evidence-informed strategies to support safe and timely return to work following injury or illness—including psychological injuries. After a brief presentation on the essential principles and best practices, you’ll get hands-on with quick-start tools to create your customized recover-at-work toolkit, addressing a range of factors—from diverse workplaces and job roles to operational realities. Get […]
Registration OpenAmanda (TeksMed Services): Employers should keep in mind they do not NEED to wait for medical to make an offer of suitable/modified work. They can base the offer off common-sense restrictions (Ie: one-handed duties for a left-hand injury). Also, other treatment providers can provide limitations or assist in reviewing modified work (Ie: Physiotherapist). As WCB […]
Amanda (TeksMed Services): This depends on the circumstances, failure to report is not always necessary a bar to claim but can be depending on the situation and circumstances. One would need to review the specifics for a recommended action, but generally one can always ask WCB to investigate or if the factors are strong enough […]
Ale WorkSafeBC: keeps a record of the phone calls throughout a claim. Case Managers often summarize conversations after speaking to a worker or an employer. You can find this under the “Communications” tab via the online claim portal. The call centre may also “log” a message that you leave for the Case Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation […]
Teresa (WorkSafeBC): In response to your question, it seems that you are asking about the DTME and how to communicate to the employer that they cannot terminate an employee who may not meet the DTME because they were recently hired. The DTME applies to employers who regularly employ 20 or more workers and workers who […]
Ale (KSW Lawyers): WorkSafeBC can adjudicate whether the worker is expected to remain in the accommodated role and whether they are entitled to wage loss benefits in these cases. Since the Duty to Maintain Employment poses a positive duty on the employer to find alternate work, exploring alternate accommodation/position may be required if the current […]
WorkSafeBC offers a Return to Work Coordinator course. It is a two-day course focuses on the role and responsibilities of a return-to-work (RTW) coordinator, providing participants with the information, tools, and templates that will allow them to do the job. The course focuses on the value of a proactive approach, which provides support for an injured […]
Ale (KSW Lawyer): Employers are expected to accommodate a worker to the point of undue hardship, the point at which it is too difficult, unsafe, or expensive to remove barriers so that injured workers can return to work. If creating a new position is financially unfeasible for a business, the employer can establish that doing […]
This website links to and references a study funded by NIOSH that looks at the long-term impacts of workplace injuries on workers.
Conference Session
2025-10-09 13:00:00
We are not invincible. But sometimes we treat our bodies as though we think we are. The incremental chances we take every day—every awkward position, improper lift, and repetitive motion—can add up to a lifetime of pain. Identifying risks is important. But beyond hazard ID, this workshop teaches practical controls that can prevent MSI injuries. […]
Registration Open
News & Blog Articles
More and more, leaders are recognizing the importance of supporting employee mental health. They’re checking in, creating space for honest conversations, and building cultures of psychological safety. This shift is long overdue and deeply encouraging. But amidst all of this,...
Will safety become a victim of the trade war?
May 26, 2025
When we hear daily news about new tariff threats and trade posturing, our health and safety programs aren’t the first things that come to mind. As tariffs and retaliatory measures continue, we are faced with many choices—where to shop, what...
When you first stepped into a leadership role, or even now, after years of experience, you may have believed your primary responsibility was ensuring goals and objectives were met. And while that’s certainly an important part of the job, there’s...
Who does this impact? WorkSafeBC has announced that in 2024, as part of their Planned Inspections Initiative, they will be focusing inspections on the following manufacturing classification units (CUs). Historically, workers in these CUs are at higher risk for serious injury....
Editorial from TeksMed Services on Bill 41
December 6, 2023
Editorial: TeksMed Services Inc. As a disability management consultant, TeksMed Services Inc. regularly counsels employers on return-to-work requirements and issues. The following is an article TeksMed published on their own website for their clients and has agreed to share it...
Leaders play a key role in creating both physically and psychologically safe workplaces. As leaders, we have the duty to guide our organizations to long-term success and to care for our essential resources and investments—time, money, and most valuably, people....
OHS Canada Feature | Keeping your team safe: Leadership tips for working with subcontractors
September 19, 2023
Most business leaders recognize their duty to protect workers within the four walls of their operating facilities. Even in recent years, with more employers adapting policies to address remote work, production staff in the manufacturing sector remained onsite. But what...
3 safety tips: Ergonomics best practices for manufacturing
February 18, 2020
Ergonomics goes beyond stretching programs or choosing the right chair. It is an important strategic consideration. In the manufacturing sector, employees are especially vulnerable to developing musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) due to several factors specific to their occupations. Risk factors such...
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