Technical Safety BC has released its 2023 State of Safety and Annual Report, pinpointing the top safety risks in British Columbia. The report identifies the leading threats to safety as carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, ammonia safety, gas line strikes, electrical fires, and electrical shocks.
“British Columbians should be able to trust that the places they work, live, and play are safe,” said Phil Gothe, President and Lead Executive Officer at Technical Safety BC. “Our State of Safety and the Top Five Safety Risks highlight not only the areas of focus for our team but represent a call to action to all those across the safety system.”
Carbon monoxide exposure remains the highest risk
For the second consecutive year, CO exposure was ranked the highest safety risk. In 2023, Technical Safety BC investigated 17 incidents involving CO exposure, an increase from 10 incidents the previous year, with one incident resulting in a fatality.
The persistence of CO exposure as a top risk is attributed to the lack of public awareness and proper maintenance of gas appliances. A 2023 survey revealed that only 42% of British Columbians had their gas appliances serviced annually by licensed contractors. Moreover, 42% of respondents did not have carbon monoxide detectors, despite nearly half owning gas appliances.
Electrical safety concerns
Electrical safety also emerged as a significant concern, with electrical fires and shocks among the top risks. Electrical shocks, often resulting from arc flashes, can cause severe injuries. These incidents frequently involve licensed electricians working on energized equipment without proper protective gear or following unsafe work procedures.
Investigations revealed that unlicensed individuals working with electrical equipment posed additional risks. Improper use of electrical appliances such as heaters, extension cords, and power bars by homeowners has also led to numerous fires.
“This year’s report highlights that many of the top safety risks not only result from unlicensed work or the incorrect use of technical equipment but also the decisions made at job sites,” Gothe added. “This reinforces the need for greater understanding and collaboration across all participants in the safety system to increase awareness and ultimately reduce incidents and injuries.”
Report highlights
The report also details trends and data impacting technical safety in the province. Key points include:
- Top Five Safety Risks: CO exposure, ammonia safety, gas line strikes, electrical fires, and electrical shocks.
- Incident Data: A total of 398 safety incidents were reported in 2023, a decrease from previous years. Human error, lack of signage, and failure to follow safety protocols were major contributing factors.
- Permits Issued: 116,369 operating permits and 143,673 installation permits were issued in 2023, reflecting a slight increase in operating permits and a decrease in installation permits from 2022.
- Hazards Identified: 8,588 hazards were identified from 54,746 assessments completed in 2023.
- Incident Investigations: Of the 59 incident investigation reports published in 2023, nine incidents were influenced by extreme weather or emerging green technologies.
The 2023 State of Safety report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of technical safety in British Columbia, illustrated through data, stories, and expert analysis.