Mandatory employee training in British Columbia: an employer guide
A starting point for B.C. employers mapping orientation, hazard training, first aid roles, and training records.
Published · Updated · 11 minute read
There is no single course list
Training begins with the work. A retail store, construction company, care provider, and machine shop will share some broad duties but will not have the same training plan.
| Training area | What triggers it |
|---|---|
| Young and new worker orientation | The worker meets the regulation's definition |
| WHMIS | Work with or possible exposure to hazardous products |
| Violence prevention | The risk assessment identifies a risk of violence |
| First aid attendant certification | The workplace's written first aid assessment |
| Job and hazard-specific instruction | The equipment, task, substance, sector, or work environment |
Use the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, WorkSafeBC guidance, and the facts of the workplace to build the list. A vendor catalogue can help deliver parts of the plan after the requirements are known.
New and young worker orientation
Under the B.C. regulation, a young worker is under 25. A new worker includes someone new to the workplace, returning after the hazards changed, affected by changed hazards, or relocated to a workplace with different hazards.
The employer must provide workplace-specific health and safety orientation and training before that worker begins work. Required topics include the supervisor's contact information, rights and responsibilities, workplace rules, known hazards, safe procedures, personal protective equipment, emergencies, first aid, injury reporting, violence procedures, and applicable WHMIS information.
Orientation is the beginning, not the handoff. Supervisors should observe the work, answer questions, and provide further training when the worker cannot perform safely or when new information is needed. Use the B.C. new and young worker orientation checklist to plan the first shift and the follow-up record.
WHMIS education and training
Employers are responsible for ensuring workers receive WHMIS education and training when hazardous products are present and the worker may be exposed. General education covers the WHMIS system. Workplace-specific training covers the products, controls, handling, storage, disposal, and emergencies at the site.
A B.C. employer may provide the training directly if it meets sections 5.6 and 5.7 of the regulation, or use an outside provider. WorkSafeBC does not issue a general WHMIS certificate or endorse one provider. The employer remains responsible for the result.
Violence prevention instruction
Employers must assess the risk of violence. If a risk is identified, the employer needs a prevention program and must instruct exposed workers on the risk and the procedures used to control it.
- How to recognize the potential for violence
- Policies, procedures, and work arrangements that reduce the risk
- How to respond and obtain assistance
- How incidents are reported, investigated, and documented
The nature and amount of training should follow the risk assessment. A public-facing night worker may need a different response procedure than an employee in a controlled office.
First aid training and procedures
Each workplace needs a written first aid assessment. It determines the equipment, facilities, attendants, and services required. The assessment must be reviewed at least every 12 months and when relevant workplace conditions change.
A designated first aid attendant must hold a current certificate at the required level from WorkSafeBC or a recognized provider. B.C.'s amended occupational first aid requirements took effect on November 1, 2024, so older course names and assumptions should be checked against the current assessment.
New workers also need instruction on the workplace's first aid procedures. They should know how to report an injury, contact an attendant, and obtain emergency transportation when needed.
Job and hazard-specific training
Orientation does not replace instruction required for equipment, fall protection, confined spaces, asbestos, mobile equipment, lockout, personal protective equipment, or other regulated hazards. Some work requires a qualified person, practical instruction, certification, or demonstrated competency.
Build a role-based training matrix. List the tasks, identify the hazards and regulation sections, then record the required education, supervised practice, authorization, and refresher triggers.
Do not mark a worker competent solely because an online module was completed. Where safe performance must be demonstrated, document the observation or sign-off separately.
Training records
Employers must keep records of orientation and training provided to young and new workers under sections 3.23 and 3.24. WorkSafeBC also advises employers to maintain records of each worker's education, training, and supervision.
Record the worker, date, topics, workplace or role, trainer, content version, result, and further instruction. Keep certificates and practical sign-offs with the history without treating them as interchangeable.
If a worker changes locations or the hazards change, add the new orientation record. Do not overwrite the earlier event with a single current date.
Primary sources
- WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation: rights and responsibilities
- WorkSafeBC: training and orienting workers
- WorkSafeBC WHMIS guidance
- WorkSafeBC workplace violence guidance
- WorkSafeBC first aid requirements
This guide is a starting point, not a complete legal review. Confirm the requirements for the workplace, industry, hazards, and workers with WorkSafeBC or a qualified professional.