Your Rights In Cold Weather

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Your Union wants our members to stay safe in cold weather. If you work outside or have to be out in the elements as part of your job duties please read this bulletin.

You are protected under a provincial regulation and cannot be asked to work under dangerous conditions as it may constitute an unsafe work practice.

You have the right to refuse to do work that you believe is unsafe. If this happens it’s important you let either your Job Steward or Steve Milne, COPE 378’s Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator, know immediately. Contact the Union office to find a Steward at 604-299-0378 or toll free at 1-800-665-6838, or email Steve at smilne@cope378.ca.

As members of our Union working within the province of BC, you are covered under the Workers' Compensation Board Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) which state:

1. The employer must conduct a cold stress assessment and develop and implement a cold exposure plan. (OHS Regulation number 7.34)
2. The employer must implement engineering controls to reduce the exposure to the hazard or if not able, employer must provide administrative controls or personal protective equipment as a last option. (OHS Regulation number 7.35)
3. A heated shelter must be available if temperature drops below -7 Celsius. (OHS Regulation number 7.36)
4. Workers exposed to temperatures below -7 Celsius must wear adequate insulated clothing and personal protective equipment, including eye protection appropriate to the hazard. (OHS Regulation number 7.37)
5. Workers showing signs of exposure must be removed from hazard and treated by first aid or physician. (OHS Regulation number 7.38)

The WCB guideline also states wind chill is a concern when the equivalent temperature is less than -7 Celsius. Exposure to temperatures of -7 Celsius for brief periods may induce frostnip or frostbite.

If you have to work outside please make sure the employer provides you with appropriate clothing to protect yourself.

If you have any concerns please contact us directly at the Union office immediately at 1-800-665-6838 or 604-299-0378.

In Solidarity,

David Black, COPE 378 President
Steve Milne, COPE 378 WCB Appeals/Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator