FAQ

Training for high-risk jobs or activities should include both a theoretical and a practical component. The length of the course or training session should be adequate to cover all the elements identified in the job task analysis or occupational analysis. Assessment should include evaluation of both theoretical and practical components, and the trainer should provide documentation indicating the competencies on which participants will be assessed. Attendance and achievement should be documented.

It's important to note that it remains the employer's responsibility in all situations to instruct workers regarding specific risks at the workplace and to ensure the training workers receive is adequate.

Note: The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation requires education, training, and certification on certain topics to meet an acceptable training standard and/or be provided by a person or agency acceptable to WorkSafeBC. This includes training and certification for asbestos abatement workers, crane operators, concrete pump workers, fallers, first aid attendants, traffic control persons, and other occupations. For information on standards and providers for these topics, please visit Education, training & certification on worksafebc.com.

Find the training providers in your area and look at their websites; the course you’re looking for may be listed there. You can also email or call the providers and ask if they conduct training on your desired topic. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation requires education, training, and certification on certain topics to meet an acceptable training standard and/or be provided by a person or agency acceptable to WorkSafeBC. This includes training and certification for asbestos abatement workers, crane operators, concrete pump workers, fallers, first aid attendants, traffic control persons, and other occupations. For information on standards and providers for these topics, please visit Education, training & certification on worksafebc.com.

No. Training providers self-register for this website and are not vetted or pre-approved by or affiliated with WorkSafeBC. Please read our Terms of Use for additional information.

Before approaching a prospective training provider, have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Discuss your ideas with colleagues and interested workers in your organization to define the type of training you expect the provider to conduct. Training providers may offer standard courses to meet your needs, or you may require customized services for your workplace. Consider the following when looking for a provider.

Professional credentials

• What credentials has the provider listed in the directory? Can an independent group or professional organization attest to the trainer’s qualifications?
• What professional associations does the trainer belong to?
• What grade of membership does the trainer hold for each credential and/or association, and how long have they held that grade?

Occupational health and safety (OHS) experience

• How many years has the provider been active in OHS training and consultation?
• How many years has the provider been active in your area of interest?
• Does the provider’s experience relate specifically to the work you want done or to a closely related area?
• Does the trainer have a thorough knowledge of the OHS Regulation, policies, guidelines, and standards related to the training requirements?
• Does the trainer have appropriate knowledge of WorkSafeBC enforcement processes?
• Can the provider give references from past clients? (Look for references from the last few clients in your area of interest or your industry to ensure that not just those clients who will give favourable references are identified.) This information may not always be available, as some clients prefer to remain anonymous.

General training knowledge, experience, and delivery

• How experienced or knowledgeable is the trainer in your specific industry and/or the training topic?
• Has the trainer had special training in developing and delivering adult education? For example, do they possess B.C.'s Provincial Instructor Diploma (or equivalent) or a Train the Trainer certificate?
• Can the trainer customize a standard course for your firm?
• Can the trainer deliver a standard course in another language?
• Can the trainer accommodate unique learner needs?
• Is the delivery method (online, classroom, or hybrid) appropriate for the topic?

Cost

• What is the training provider’s fee structure?
• How are clients charged (e.g., by the hour, by day, per participant, single rate for total course)?
• Where are the services provided?
• How does the service provider treat expenses such as course materials, travel, accommodation, shipping, and report writing?
• Are cost estimates binding?
• What insurance and bonding does the provider have?

Insurance

• Can the training provider show proof of professional liability insurance for both the business and the instructors (who may be subcontractors)?
• Is the training provider registered with WorkSafeBC? If the provider is not registered with WorkSafeBC, you may be regarded as their employer. If you have questions about whether a provider is registered, contact WorkSafeBC’s Employer Service Centre.

Go to Find Training, then select your region. The training providers that have indicated they provide training in your area will be listed in alphabetical order.