Management For Health

Asbestos is a tough, heat-resistant mineral that was added to the building materials of many older homes. It can pose health hazards to workers and homeowners who renovate or demolish those homes. This animation shows how asbestos fibres could damage lung tissue and lead to lung disease.

This video describes the history of asbestos, from its origins as a "miracle" material to its threat to worker health and safety. It includes personal stories from those who've been directly affected and urges those at risk of exposure to test for the presence of asbestos and only remove it if trained and qualified.

In 2015, Canada's WHMIS program changed to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This video helps workers understand the primary changes to WHMIS 2015—new hazard classes, new labelling requirements, and a revised safety data sheet format—as well as the responsibilities of their employers to provide education and training. NOTE: As of December 1, 2018, WHMIS 1988 no longer applies.

Silica is a common substance found in sand, rock, and building materials such as concrete and brick. Cutting, grinding, or drilling these materials releases dangerous crystalline silica dust into the air. This video shows how breathing in silica dust can cause permanent damage to the lungs. Working around silica dust is one of the most common hazards that concrete cutter operators face. If you are using a concrete cutter, you should wear the appropriate PPE at all times. This video is a helpful tool for health and safety training and toolbox talks when working around silica and power tools. Find information and resources on protecting workers from harmful exposure to silica dust at worksafebc.com/silica. Timestamps: 0:00 Where silica is found 0:22 How silica is released into the air 0:36 How silica affects your body 1:25 Effects of exposure to silica __________________________________________________________ We’re working to make a difference in workplace health and safety in British Columbia, Canada. By partnering with workers and employers, we help British Columbians come home from work safe every day. Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/WorkSafeBC?sub_confirmation=1 Find us on social media: X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/worksafebc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksafebc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worksafebc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worksafebc Visit our website for the most up-to-date health and safety information and regulatory requirements: https://www.worksafebc.com Legal terms: All videos posted by the Workers’ Compensation Board (“WorkSafeBC”) are protected by Canadian and international copyright laws, policies, and treaties. The use of WorkSafeBC videos and other materials is governed by WorkSafeBC’s copyright and trademark statement, available here: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/legal/copyright-and-trademark. Videos cannot be uploaded to other channels without prior permission. If you wish to request permission for use of our videos, please contact us: copyright [at] worksafebc.com

This video contrasts the inexperience of a young worker in the construction industry and the experience of a worker who is dying from exposure to asbestos. Related videos in our Asbestos in Construction series: Contractors: https://youtu.be/Y4L3-DFQZE0 Homeowners: https://youtu.be/GxliLqlfDKk Please note that the B.C. Association of Restoration Contractors amalgamated with the BCCSA in 2016.

Older homes can contain an invisible hazard: asbestos. This video walks you through an older home, identifying the most common places asbestos is found and highlighting the importance of proper testing and removal. Update: As of 2024, asbestos abatement workers in B.C. must be certified to perform this work, and companies in B.C. must be licensed. Homeowners: For more information, visit https://www.thinkasbestos.ca. Workers and employers: For more information, visit https://www.worksafebc.com/asbestos. Please note that the website mentioned in this video — hiddenkiller.ca — no longer exists. Please visit one of the websites mentioned above.