British Columbia Gas and Dash Laws for Workers Changing

WorkSafeBC is changing British Columbia's gas-and-dash laws after businesses complained some of the regulations to protect late-night workers were not feasible.

According to information from The Canadian Press WorkSafeBC spokeswoman Roberta Ellis said employers now have a third option to protect workers that doesn't include hiring more employees or erecting barriers. (WCxKit)

Ellis denied the changes are watering down what's become known as Grant's Law, which was brought in after gas station attendant Grant DePatie was dragged to death in a gas-and-dash in March 2005

According to Ellis, the pre-pay gas policy remains, but employers now have the option of taking other safety measures to avoid hiring additional staff or erecting cage-like barriers in late-night stores.

But if employers include the third option, which involves eight safety controls, they are obligated to implement each one and can't pick and choose among them, Ellis said.

The third option steps are: installing a time-lock safe that can't be opened during late night hours, storing most cash and lottery tickets in the time-lock safe, ensuring good visibility inside and outside of store, limiting access to inside of store, monitoring business by video surveillance and erecting signs advising that the safe can't be opened, that there is limited cash and lottery tickets on sight and that the store is monitored by video.

The third option also requires that late-night employees must be at least 19 years old and provided with emergency transmitters monitored by the employer, a security company or another person designated by the employers.

The amendments become effective on April 15, 2012.

The Western Canadian Convenience Store Association, representing 2,400 stores with 25,000 employees, released a statement backing the amendments. (WCxKit)

B.C. Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair noted pressure from the business lobby prompted WorkSafeBC to change some of the best worker-protection regulations in North America.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He is an editor and contributor to Workers Compensation Management Program: Reduce Costs 20% to 50%. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.

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