The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the agriculture industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.
Standard Practices for Pesticide Applicators BK35
This manual deals with the health and safety of workers who work with or near pesticides. It is meant for all industries, including: agriculture, silviculture, structural pest control, wood treatment, aerial application, and landscaping. Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2.4 MB)
Health and Safety for Greenhouses and Nurseries
This publication was developed in partnership with Horticulture Education BC, BC Landscaping and Nursery Association and FARSHA (the Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association) to for small employers (fewer than 20 workers) with nurseries and greenhouses. The booklet contains 19 Crew Safety Talks as well as forms, checklists and information about basic health and safety programs. Free copies are available to employers in BC from any of the associations listed above as well as from WorkSafeBCstore.com. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to email . Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2 MB)
Back Talk: An Owner's Manual for Backs BK4
An illustrated handbook that explains how the back works, provides tips for avoiding injury, and shows how to care for the back during recovery. Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (706 KB)
Updated: November 2011
* Available in print from Publications, Videos, and Forms Distribution.
Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI): A Guide for Employers and Joint Committees BK77
This booklet describes the process for preventing musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace. MSI is a common type of workplace injury in all industries in British Columbia. MSI claims resulting from overexertion and repetitive motion accidents account for about one-third of claims accepted by WorkSafeBC. In some industries, this proportion is much higher. Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (1.6 MB) (Updated: September 2009)
Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Understanding the Risks of Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI). An educational guide for workers, on sprains, strains, and other MSIs BK78
This booklet provides information to help workers, employers, and joint health and safety committees recognize the signs and symptoms of MSI, understand the potential health effects of MSI, and identify the factors that place workers at risk for MSI.
* PDF (1.2 MB) (Updated: December 2008)
Does your back hurt? A guide to preventing low back pain
A brief illustrated guide outlining back facts and myths, back posture, risk factors, exercises, and tips for preventing back pain. Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (127 KB)
Working Safely Around Electricity BK19
This booklet explains the dangers of working on and around energized low- and high-voltage equipment and conductors. It is written for supervisors and workers who work around and with electrical circuits and near power lines as part of their job and who are familiar with the basic hazards of electrical contact. The three sections include the dangers of low-voltage contact, the dangers of high-voltage contact, and how to deal with electrical injuries. Workers who work around electrical conductors, such as painters and equipment operators, and who are unfamiliar with all the hazards of electrical contact, will also find the information in this booklet useful. Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2.1 MB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos, and Forms Distribution.
Safe Operation of Lift Trucks PH36
This pamphlet describes the responsibilities lift truck operators have for the safe operation of their vehicles, as well as some of the things to avoid when working on, in, or near forklifts, platform trucks, powered small-pallet trucks, or similar powered units. Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (87 KB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos, and Forms Distribution.
BK-10 Stretches and Postures at Work
"This small (shirt-pocket sized) booklet is filled with illustrated descriptions of simple stretching exercises to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury." Available in English, Punjabi and Spanish. Source: FARSHA (Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association)
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