WorkSafeBC Probes Migrant Worker's Coma After Fall At BC Construction Site

A migrant worker is in a coma after falling from a scaffold at a construction site in British Columbia. WorkSafeBC is investigating the incident, which occurred on Monday, July 18, 2023, at a site in Burnaby. The worker, a 24-year-old man from Mexico, was working on the fourth floor of a building when he fell approximately 10 meters (33 feet). He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and remains in a coma.

Migrant Workers Face Higher Risks on Construction Sites

Migrant workers are often employed in dangerous and low-paid jobs in the construction industry. They may be unfamiliar with Canadian safety regulations and may not have adequate training or equipment. As a result, they are at an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

According to a study by the Migrant Workers Centre, migrant workers in Canada are three times more likely to be injured on the job than Canadian-born workers. The study also found that migrant workers are more likely to be killed on the job than Canadian-born workers.

WorkSafeBC Investigating the Incident

WorkSafeBC is investigating the incident and has ordered the construction site to be shut down. The investigation will focus on determining the cause of the fall and whether any safety regulations were violated.

WorkSafeBC has the authority to issue fines and orders to employers who violate safety regulations. The agency can also prosecute employers who are criminally negligent.

Industry Calls for Improved Safety Measures

The construction industry has called for improved safety measures to protect migrant workers. The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has developed a number of resources to help employers improve safety for migrant workers. These resources include:

A guide to hiring and managing migrant workers
A training program for migrant workers
A safety checklist for construction sites

The CCA is also working with the government to develop new safety regulations for the construction industry.

Government Must Do More to Protect Migrant Workers

The government must do more to protect migrant workers from workplace accidents and injuries. The government should:

Increase funding for WorkSafeBC so that the agency can conduct more inspections and investigations.
Develop new safety regulations for the construction industry that are specifically designed to protect migrant workers.
Provide more training and support for migrant workers to help them understand their rights and responsibilities.

By taking these steps, the government can help to ensure that migrant workers are safe on the job.

Conclusion

The incident at the Burnaby construction site is a reminder of the dangers that migrant workers face on the job. The government and the construction industry must do more to protect migrant workers from workplace accidents and injuries.

Until these changes are made, migrant workers will continue to be at risk of being injured or killed on the job.