EXECUTIVE SUMMARY #1
The Province of British Columbia has announced that new WorkSafeBC regulations focused on psychosocial hazards are forthcoming, alongside an update to the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. This is explicitly stated in BC’s official guidance:
Psychosocial Hazards Defined
BC identifies psychosocial hazards as workplace conditions in the design or management of work—including excessive workload, low support, unclear roles, bullying, confli and poor communication— that can cause psychological or physical harm. WorkSafeBC similarly identifies risks such as disrespectful behaviour, inadequate harassment‑prevention procedures, and lack of employer support.
Expected Regulatory Requirements
- Identify Psychosocial Hazards
Employers will need to systematically identify conditions that may cause psychological harm, using an approach similar to physical hazard identification.
2. Assess the Risks
Employers must evaluate the severity and potential impacts of identified hazards.
3. Implement Controls
Organizations will be required to reduce risks through workload management, clear roles, improved communication, anti‑harassment processes, and supportive leadership.
4. Align with the Updated National Standard (CSA Z1003)
Regulations will be introduced alongside the updated Standard, requiring alignment with principles such as civility, respect, recognition, and workload management.
5. Integrate Psychological Injury Prevention into OHS Systems
WorkSafeBC’s risk‑management model for psychosocial hazards mirrors that used for physical safety and will become a formal regulatory expectation.
