The B.C. government has announced upcoming changes to employment standards for those aged 16 to 18 by outlining the types of work that are suitable for them.

To develop the new rules, Ministry of Labour staff examined WorkSafeBC injury data and other jurisdictions’ labour laws relating to hazardous employment. Based on that information, a number of jobs within several industries were identified as hazardous for young workers, including areas within construction, forestry, food processing, oil/gas and power, asbestos removal and others.

Consultations on the draft rules were held with industry, labour, safety and skills training groups, and an online survey was available to the public. Overall, survey respondents agreed that 18 years old was an appropriate minimum age requirement for most types of hazardous work, with some exceptions. For construction work, and fish and some animal processing work, a minimum age of 16 was deemed appropriate.

There was also agreement that workplace safety and training must be prioritized at any worksite, and there needs to be rigorous enforcement of existing safety standards.

Following the public and stakeholder consultations, government has amended the Employment Standards Regulation, effective Jan. 1, 2023, to prescribe minimum ages of 16 or 18 for certain types of work that is too hazardous for younger workers.

A minimum age of 16 to undertake the following activities:

* construction;

* silviculture;

* forest firefighting; and

* working from heights that require fall protection.

* A minimum age of 18 to undertake the following activities:
* tree falling and logging;

* using a chainsaw;

* work in a production process at a pulp, paper, saw, shake or shingle mill;

* work in a production process at a foundry, metal processing or metal fabrication operation, refinery or smelter;

* powerline construction or maintenance where an electrical hazard exists;

* oil or gas field servicing and drilling;

* work with dangerous equipment in fish, meat or poultry processing facilities;

* silica process/exposure to silica dust;

* work in which a worker is or may be exposed to potentially harmful levels of asbestos;

* exposure to harmful levels of radiation;

* working in a confined space or underground workings; and

* work requiring a respirator.

The regulations come into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, so that employers have time to adjust the work performed by existing young employees. As well, current employees who are within six months of reaching the prescribed age will be excluded from the age requirements.

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