WorkSafeBC releases first online registry of licensed asbestos abatement contractors in B.C.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, asbestos abatement employers must be licensed to operate in B.C. This means homeowners, business owners, and contractors must ensure their asbestos abatement contractor holds a valid licence before allowing them to carry out work.

To enable British Columbians to verify that a contractor is licensed, WorkSafeBC has developed an Asbestos Abatement License (AAL) Registry.

In B.C., asbestos is prevalent in residential and commercial buildings, posing serious health and safety risks when disturbed.

Asbestos is a mineral that was used in more than 3,000 building materials from the 1950s to 1990s.

Newer homes and buildings can also have asbestos if they were built with older materials.

When asbestos is disturbed through renovation or demolition work, exposure can lead to severe health issues, including lung diseases and cancer. Between 2002 and 2022, asbestos exposure was the leading cause of work-related deaths in the province, resulting in 1,168 fatalities.