Starting next year, asbestos abatement employers must be licensed to operate in BC

As of Jan. 1, 2024, employers performing asbestos abatement work must be licensed to operate in B.C. and anyone performing this work must be trained and certified.

These new requirements were part of amendments to the Workers Compensation Act made in spring 2022.

The legislative amendments also gave WorkSafeBC the authority to develop and administer the licensing and certification regime.

In addition to being required to have a licence requirement, asbestos abatement employers will need to ensure their workers are appropriately trained and certified by Jan. 1, 2024.

Any individual performing asbestos abatement work must complete mandatory safety training and obtain a certificate from WorkSafeBC.

The certificate will demonstrate that training has been completed, and they have the knowledge and skills to perform tasks safely.

The level of certification required depends on the type of asbestos work being done.

Online information sessions for workers about training and certification will be held on Sept. 13, 2023, and Oct. 5, 2023.

Details are available on worksafebc.com.