British Columbia · Health & safety · Crew briefing

WorkSafeBC: new periodic equipment certification rules

Comes into force Sep 1, 2027 · in 10 months

What changes

WorkSafeBC's Board approved amendments on periodic certification of equipment as safe for use, across OHS Regulation Parts 4, 13, 14, 20, 28 and 31, at its July 2026 meeting. They take effect September 1, 2027. Part 13 covers ladders, scaffolds and platforms, Part 14 cranes and hoists, and Part 20 construction. The specific certification changes were not visible on the pages reviewed.

What to do

Contractors

Review certification schedules for lifting and access equipment before September 1, 2027.

1. Read the WorkSafeBC Board decision linked on this page before September 1, 2027.Why: Amendments on periodic equipment certification take effect that day.
2. List your ladders, scaffolds, platforms, cranes and hoists, and their certification dates.Why: The amendments cover OHS Regulation Parts 13, 14 and 20, among others.

Trades

Crane, hoist and scaffold contractors should check the new certification requirements.

1. Read the amended rules for cranes, hoists and scaffolds when WorkSafeBC publishes details.Why: The changes take effect September 1, 2027.
2. Review your current equipment certification records.Why: You may need to update them to meet the new rules.

Workers

Equipment you use should carry current certification under the amended rules.

1. Check that the equipment you use carries a current certification tag or record.Why: Certification rules for equipment change on September 1, 2027.
2. Report uncertified lifting or access equipment to your supervisor.Why: Equipment should be certified as safe for use.

Suppliers

Equipment rental firms may need to update certification and documentation practices.

1. Review the amended rules for rental equipment certification and documentation.Why: They take effect September 1, 2027.
2. Plan to update certification records you give to rental customers.Why: Customers will need to show certification under the new rules.

Law: Occupational Health and Safety Regulation amendments, Parts 4, 13, 14, 20, 28 and 31: Periodic Certification (Board decision 2026/07/09-04)
Official source: https://www.worksafebc.com/resources/law-policy/board-of-directors-decisions/bod-2026-07-09-04-amendments-to-ohsr-periodic-certification?lang=en
From ArtBuild Law Updates, https://artbuildcorporation.com/law-updates/view?slug=worksafebc-new-periodic-equipment-certification-rules-british-columbia. Plain-language summary, not legal advice. The official text governs.