WorkSafe BC hears proposed changes to ‘Grant’s Law’
Posted May 12, 2011 8:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – Frustration and tears from the father of a gas station worker dragged and killed in 2005. Doug DePatie is telling WorkSafe BC not to repeal a law that protects people working alone at night.
The WorkSafe BC is hearing submissions on changing the ‘working alone’ regulations known as ‘Grant’s Law.’ It’s after a number of businesses complained it was too expensive to have two people work the overnight shift together or put protective barriers in place.
DePatie says it’s disgusting to see people put money ahead of worker’s safety. “I’m standing here with a Coroner’s Report with a WorkSafe BC inspection report and a dead son. I’m here to see that it doesn’t happen to another family.”
Some businesses are lobbying for a third option, a panic button for workers. But DePatie and the BC Federation of Labour say that won’t help keep employees safe.
He adds it’s an insult to his son’s legacy. “None of these regulations are going to be there for a worker at 1 a.m. who is being knifed, raped, beaten or robbed.”
Jim Sinclair with the Federation says the businesses complaining aren’t even arguing that the changes would make anyone safer. “If we expect cigarettes at 4 a.m., we should also expect those workers are kept safe. This is a crime against those workers and it shouldn’t happen and they should reject this because they got it right the first time. And not succumb to the pressure from employers.”
He says it’s ludicrous to think a panic button would help keep an employee safe if they are working alone with the door unlocked.
