"We need to make sure employers are building safety into everyday operations," says WorkSafeBC
British Columbia’s manufacturing sector has a serious injury rate 44 per cent higher than the provincial average, according to WorkSafeBC. As the province recognizes the contributions of manufacturing workers this October, the agency is urging employers to strengthen their workplace safety systems.
Over the past five years, more than 26,000 manufacturing workers in B.C. have lost time due to injury — including over 4,300 serious cases. “Manufacturing is a broad and diverse industry,” says Andrew Kidd, Director of Prevention Field Services at WorkSafeBC. “It includes everything from textiles and food production to plastics and even 3D printing.”
Inspections target high-risk activities
Kidd identifies the top causes of injury as:
- Being struck by objects or machinery
- Getting caught in equipment
- Slips, trips, and falls (especially in food processing)
- Overexertion and musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs)
WorkSafeBC conducts more than 7,700 inspections annually in the sector, with a focus on risks like energized machinery and repetitive motion tasks. “We’re a risk-based organization,” Kidd explains. “Our officers engage in basic risk management inspections to ensure employers understand and incorporate safety responsibilities into daily operations.”
Combustible dust hazards and new regulations
Combustible dust remains a significant hazard in facilities handling wood, plastics, food, rubber, textiles, and metals. “We’re even seeing dust risks in 3D printing with plastics,” notes Kidd. New regulations — expected as early as 2026 — will require employers to test, assess, and control dust hazards in their operations.
Worker engagement and evolving risks
Kidd emphasizes the need for active worker involvement in hazard identification and risk control. “Workers have intimate knowledge of the machinery — they understand the quirks and what can go wrong.”
He also highlights how technology is shifting workplace hazards. While automation can remove workers from dangerous tasks, new systems may introduce different risks that employers must identify and manage.
Continuous training and adequate supervision are essential, Kidd says. “Employers must also supervise their supervisors. We remind them that supervisors are workers too — and they need support to uphold safety standards.”
