Health and Safety FAQs

When it comes to my safety, can I access information on students? 

Refer to Communicating Student Information regarding privacy when it comes to the safety of workers.

If there is a health and safety issue or incident at my school, how do I report it?

Inform your administrator and your school’s health and safety representative. If you are the representative, then also inform your local president. Please refer to the following steps in the Health & Safety Reporting Process. 

How do I know if my principal’s behaviour/comments to me fall under bullying and harassment?

Talk to your health and safety representative and your local president for advice on this issue. Do not approach your administrator before discussing it with them or without union representation. Please refer to the WorkSafe Bullying and Harassment Toolkit.

I have been involved in a violent incident at work, what do I do?

Get first aid or medical attention if needed. Inform the health and safety representative at your school and your principal. If you are the representative, then also inform your local union. It is recommended that you call WCB and submit a claim (1-888-Workers) as injuries can be mental and/or physical. Please refer to the following steps in the Violent Incident Reporting Process.

What are the different types of health and safety forms related to reporting incidents?

Please refer to Incident Reporting Forms - Who Does What?  

We are having air quality issues at our school, what should I do?

Inform your administrator and your school’s health and safety representative.

If you are the representative, then also inform your local union president. Follow the steps on the Indoor Air Quality - Investigation Process.

I am a new teacher, what do I need to know?

Find out who the health and safety representative is at your school, or the school where you work most often if you are a TTOC. Attend meetings in your local union to find out health and safety issues and training. Refer to the New and Young Workers' Checklist.

I am being asked do work which I feel is unsafe, what can I do?

Inform your school’s health and safety representative and have them contact your local union president. Follow the steps on the form Refusal of Unsafe Work Flowchart and Regulation. 

I am injured at work, what form do I fill out?

The BCTF recommends that you fill out the WorkSafeBC 6A Report of Injury Form. Your employer or district may have their own version of the form. If this is the case, fill out both their form and the 6A.   

Is there a handbook or manual I can share with colleagues on health and safety?

Please refer to the 2020 Health and Safety Handbook.

What are some tips for members travelling on BCTF business and/or facilitating a meeting?  

Please refer to Health and Safety for BCTF members when travelling on BCTF business for a meeting room H&S checklist and guidelines to follow when you are working alone.