actsafe
Safety Association
New and Young Worker Orientation
The following information is intended to assist with conducting New and Young
Worker Orientations, which is required by law in British Columbia.
THE REGULATION: Definitions Part 3: Rights And Responsibilities For Young Or New
Workers (WorkSafeBC OH&S Regulations Sect. 3.22)
“New worker” means any worker who is:
(a) new to the workplace
(b) returning to a workplace where the hazards in that workplace have changed during the worker’s
absence
(c) affected by a change in the hazards of a work place, or
(d) relocated to a new workplace if the hazards in that workplace are different from the hazards in
the worker’s previous workplace;
Initial orientation is required every time a worker begins work at a new workplace; this includes
studios, production offices, shops and locations. An orientation is not required when a worker
who has had an initial orientation returns or is relocated to a workplace or location AND there
are no new hazards or changes that may affect the worker.
Reorientation of workers is required whenever there is a change in the workplace location or
change of hazards that may affect the health and safety of the worker. In this case the only
additional orientation required would be the identification of new or site-specific hazards, or
changes in emergency procedures (ie. first aid location and contact information).
INTERPRETATION: When is an orientation required?
“Young worker” means any worker who is under 25 years of age.
An employer must keep records of all orientation, training and assessments provided and ensure
copies of worksite risk assessments are readily available for review by workers.
INTERPRETATION: Write it down
A key element of compliance with this legislation is documentation. The documentation can
include one or more of the following:
•Notification of meeting on the Call Sheet
•Attendees listed on the Daily Production Report (DPR)
•Notes in a supervisors log or notebook
•Filed sign-in sheets
•Emailed responses
•Production meeting notes when hazards were discussed
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Rev. August 2016
B.C.
THE REGULATION (WorkSafeBC OH&S Regulations Sect. 3.24)