After several meetings between BCGEU representatives, members from the Component 1 executive and senior Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) representatives, major inspections into violence have started. At these meetings we called for the WCB to take meaningful steps to address the ongoing incidents of violence against Correctional Officers in provincial facilities.

This week the WCB started their inspections at the Fraser Regional Correctional Centre (FRCC). The in-depth inspections are being conducted by a specially trained group of WCB officers over a four day period per facility, and will include interviews with Correctional Officers and a thorough site inspection. The inspectors are looking for verification of OH&S activities at each workplace and there will be a focus on violence in the workplace.

After FRCC, inspections will continue in the lower mainland and then roll out to other facilities in the province. Importantly, the WCB safety officers will write orders if they identify health and safety violations.
The Surrey Pre-Trial Services Centre (SPSC) is expected to be the next jail set for inspection some time in November.

“We’re pleased WCB is committed to reviewing safety issues and an overall review of each jail,” says Component 1 chair Dean Purdy. “We have emphasized the importance of moving forward quickly with the enforcement strategy. Everyone has the right to a safe workplace and that includes the men and women who work in our correctional centres.”