Health & Safety

Under OH&SR Regulation 4.30, employers must inform all workers of the nature and extent of any risk of violence.

This includes providing information about individuals with a known history of violent behaviour whom workers may encounter.

Information must be provided before a worker is exposed to the risk.

Employers must instruct workers on:

• How to recognize the potential for violence

• Policies, procedures, and work environment arrangements

• Appropriate responses to violent incidents, including how to obtain assistance

• Procedures for reporting, investigating, and documenting incidents

Workers are sometimes incorrectly told that privacy laws prevent disclosure of a student’s violent history.

This is incorrect.

You are entitled to know the nature and extent of any risk of violence to which you are exposed.

FOIPOP, the School Act, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act do not prevent disclosure when safety is involved.

These laws work together with OH&SR requirements.

Section 25 requires that a school board disclose information about any risk of significant harm to:

• The environment

• The health or safety of the public or a group of people

Such disclosure must occur without delay when clearly in the public interest.

Before disclosure, the board should notify:

• The person to whom the information relates

• The Privacy Commissioner (if practicable)

Anyone who receives disclosed information remains bound by privacy laws.

Section 22(4) confirms that disclosure is not an unreasonable invasion of privacy if compelling safety circumstances exist.

FOIPOP overrides privacy provisions in the School Act.

Section 125 allows disclosure of certain youth court or police information when necessary to ensure the safety of staff, students, or others.

Requirements:

• Records must be kept separate from other student files

• Access is limited to individuals who need the information

• Records must be destroyed when no longer required for safety

There is no legal barrier to providing information about a student who poses a risk of violence.

School boards have a duty to disclose the identity of such a student and the nature and extent of the risk.

If information is being withheld, workers may contact a WorkSafeBC officer or file a FOIPOP request (after consulting VIWTU).

If you suffer a workplace injury, report it immediately to your supervisor (often the vice-principal responsible for health and safety).

Complete:
WorkSafeBC Form 6A – Worker’s Report of Injury or Occupational Disease to Employer

Also:

• Report to the site’s Occupational First Aid Attendant

• Ensure the First Aid record book is completed (OH&S Regulation 3.19)

• Immediate reporting is important; late reporting may impact eligibility

On both pages of Form 6A, write:
“The worker requests a copy of the employer’s report be sent to WorkSafeBC.”

Make copies:

• One to VIWTU (pres@vitu.com)

• One for your records

VIWTU cannot advocate for you unless aware of your injury report.

You must also complete:
WorkSafeBC Form 6 – Application for Compensation and Report of Injury or Occupational Disease
(online or via Teleclaim)

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Phone: 1-888-WORKERS (1-888-967-5377)

Teleclaim allows you to report your injury and apply for compensation by phone.

This should be done in addition to the VSB “Our Health” platform.

If your classroom or workspace is too hot or too cold:

1. Complete the Hazard Reporting Form on the VSB HUB
   (Employee Services → Forms and Incident Reporting → Report a Hazard)

2. Select your school/worksite

3. Enter the exact location (e.g., Room 203, Boys’ Washroom, 2nd floor)

4. Add your Administrator’s email

5. Describe the hazard with temperature readings and times

6. Rate the seriousness (High Risk = immediate attention needed)

7. Indicate whether anyone was hurt (usually "No")

8. Report the same information to your Principal and Health & Safety Rep

9. Ensure the issue is discussed at the site-based JOHSC

10. Document all responses and actions

If unresolved, contact WorkSafeBC Prevention Line: 1-888-621-SAFE.

If heat affects your health and you need sick leave, follow the WorkSafeBC Teleclaim procedure.

Acceptable IAQ Temperature Ranges (WorkSafeBC):

Summer

• 30% humidity → 23–27°C

• 50% humidity → 23–26°C

• 60% humidity → 23–26°C

Winter

• 30% humidity → 20–24°C

• 50% humidity → 20–24°C

• 60% humidity → 20–24°C

Elimination/Substitution

• Perform work in a cooler environment where possible

Engineering Controls

• Improve ventilation

• Insulate or cover hot surfaces

• Install shields or barriers

• Reduce humidity

Administrative Controls

• Post warning signs

• Provide cool-down areas

• Acclimatize workers

• Ensure drinking water is available

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Only effective when combined with other controls

• Ensure PPE is tested and functioning