Certification Update - April 2010

Planning a Dive?

On May 10, 2010, WorkSafeBC will be hosting a one-day seminar in Kelowna, BC.

Anyone who hires, contracts, or sub-contracts divers should attend a one-day WorkSafeBC seminar to understand their responsibilities and how to comply with the occupational diving requirements under the Workers Compensation Act.

To attend this free seminar, please register by April 30th, 2010 with Breanna Graham at 1-888-621-7333, Local 5823 or Breanna.graham@worksafebc.com.

New Diving Hazard Alert

A new diving hazard alert has been issued in response to a number of incidences involving hiring qualified divers for specific jobs. "Hiring a Diver" covers diving competency as stated in CSA Standard Z275.4-97, minimum crew, standby diver and Notice of Project for Diving Activity.

Professional Development Opportunity

Upcoming Conference on Evaluation
May 2 to 5, 2010, Victoria, BC

Whether you're a professional or aspiring evaluator, you will be sure to find something of interest at the 2010 Conference of the Canadian Evaluation Society in Victoria this May. From professional development workshops to informative presentations, you will find something relevant to your area in the field of evaluation in Canada and internationally. It's also fun just to hang out with other evaluators too!

First Aid Agency and Education Partner
Meetings - 2010

The First Aid Agency & Education Partner meetings have been scheduled for June 2010. Please use the tables below to determine which meeting you would like to attend.

LOCATION
DATE
FIRST AID

EDUCATION PARTNER
Richmond, BC
WorkSafeBC - Auditorium
6951 Westminster Highway
Jun 1
9:00am to 12:30pm
1:30pm to 4:00pm
Fort St. John, BC
Quality Inn Northern Grand
9830 – 100th Avenue
Jun 3
8:30am to 11:30am
12:30pm to 3:00pm
Kamloops, BC
Four Points Sheraton
1175 Rogers Way
Jun 8
9:00am to 12:30pm
1:30pm to 4:00pm
Kelowna, BC
Best Western Inn
2402 Highway 97 North
Jun 9
8:30am to12:00pm
12:30pm to 3:00pm
Cranbrook, BC
Best Western Cranbrook Hotel
1019 Cranbrook Street North
Jun 15
9:00am to 12:30pm
1:00pm to 3:30pm
Nanaimo, BC
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road
Jun 17
9:00am to 12:30pm
1:30pm to 4:00pm
Prince George , BC
Four Points Sheraton
1790 Highway 97 S.
Jun 22
9:00am to 12:30pm
1:30pm to 4:00pm
Terrace, BC
Coast Inn of the West
4620 Lakelse Avenue
Jun 24
9:00am to 12:30pm
1:30pm to 4:00pm
Richmond, BC
WorkSafeBC Auditorium
6951 Westminster Highway
Jun 30
9:00am to 12:30pm
1:30pm to 4:00pm

Registering for the agency meetings

To register for the sessions, please ensure you specify whether you wish to attend the AM, PM, or BOTH and for what date.

WorkSafeBC welcomes instructors and evaluators currently teaching WorkSafe &/or OFA courses. To register for the meeting in your area, please e-mail Certification Services or phone.

Email: Certification@WorkSafeBC.com
Phone number: 604-276-3090 or 1-888-621-7233.

Question & Answer Corner
What is professional development?

Professional development in the content of education and training means the maintenance and broadening of the knowledge, skills and abilities to do our jobs. Put more simply, it means making the most of ourselves as professionals in the fields of education and Occupational Health & Safety.

Professional Development can help you:

  • maintain and enhance your competence in your job
  • stay competitive in the employment market
  • demonstrate your commitment to future employers
Professional development could include mentoring, attending conferences and seminars, or even reading journals in your field of specialty. In fact, it can include any activity which can enhance your skills and ability to do your job, as long as it’s done in a systematic way.

At Certification Services, we get a lot of questions on how best to upgrade one's knowledge and skills as instructor/evaluators of adults. Here are two examples, one instructional and one technical.
Provincial Instructors Program

This program consists of six 30-hour courses, and a practicum. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded the British Columbia Provincial Instructor Diploma (PID). The program is delivered by Vancouver Community College on behalf of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. Its focus is to prepare instructors of adults on practical teaching skills: curriculum design, lesson planning, instructional skills, motivational skills, human management skills, evaluation skills and capacity to maintain quality of instruction and courses. The diploma itself is issued by the BC Ministry of Advanced. For more information visit instructordiploma.com.
Helmet and Bandmask Operator Course

The course teaches the KMDSI monthly, and daily helmet and BandMask pre/post dive maintenance, set-up, adjustment, and inspection procedures for Kirby Morgan Helmets, BandMasks, and associated equipment. Upon completion, each student will receive a two-year certification. For more information visit kmdsi.com.
C&T welcomes your questions certification@worksafebc.com

Please pass this newsletter on to colleagues and friends
who may find it useful.