Media Release – Recreational Cannabis in the Workplace - [ARCHIVED]

This content has been archived as it may no longer be accurate or relevant.

MEDIA RELEASE

Recreational cannabis use in the workplace

AgSafe is helping B.C. agriculture employers understand implications for health and safety programs

Langley, B.C. / October 17, 2018 – Recreational use of cannabis became legal in Canada on October 17, and AgSafeBC is helping BC’s agriculture employers understand the implications for their workplace health and safety programs.

To start, basic health and safety program principles regarding impairment in the workplace still apply and we recommend that employersfocus on impairment and safety, rather than the individual’s use.

We have added a new Workplace Impairment Policy template for employer use. The template can be downloaded from the Safe Operating Practices section of our website.

Impairment is the diminished ability of an individual to function or behave in a usual or safe manner. An individual’s response to THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis,varies based on the amount consumed, method of consumption, and metabolism.

Employers have a duty to inquire about impairment if the employee puts their safety or the safety of others at risk; if there is a motor vehicle safety incident or near miss; or if the individual’s performance is having other serious impacts on co-workers.

An employer must not knowingly permit an employee to remain at any workplace while that person’s ability to work is affected by alcohol, a drug or other substance, and endangering the safety of the individual or others.

If impairment is suspected, the priority should be on the safety of the individual and othersrather than the impairment. It is important to follow policy and procedures respectfully, fairly and with unbiased treatment of all individuals.

Resources:

WorkSafeBC
Substance use & impairment in the workplace:
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/substance-use-impairment

Government of British Columbia
Bill C-30 Cannabis Control & Licensing Act:
https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/legislation-debates-proceedings/41st-parliament/3rd-session/bills/third-reading/gov30-3

About AgSafe

For over twenty years AgSafe has been the expert on safety in the workplace for British Columbia’s agriculture industry and is committed to reducing the number of agriculture-related workplace deaths and injuries by offering health and safety programs, training, evaluation and consultation services.

For more information about AgSafe resources and services call 1-877-533-1789 or visit www.AgSafeBC.ca

Media Contact:

Lennea Durant
Media Relations
604-875-1182
lenneadurant@shaw.ca

 

Share this Post