RICHMOND, B.C. -- Motorists filling up their cars in British Columbia will have to pay for gasoline in advance under new regulations approved by WorkSafeBC's board of directors, reported the Canadian Press.
The board has also approved late-night retail safety procedures and requirementsknown as Grant's Lawfor outlets open between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The changes follow hearings by WorkSafeBC after the death in 2005 of gas station attendant Grant DePatie, who was dragged to death under a car when he tried to stop a driver from leaving the station without [image-nocss] paying.
The changes acknowledge the potential for violence and injury facing people who work alone, particularly those in late-night retail establishments such as gas stations and convenience stores, WorkSafeBC BC said.
The new requirements will be effective Feb. 1, 2008.
Grant's father, Doug DePatie, said the new regulations are a tribute to his son while B.C. Federation of Labor president Jim Sinclair called them the best in North America.
Roberta Ellis, WorkSafeBC vice president of policy, investigations and review, said the DePatie family has been courageous and tireless in their efforts to raise awareness of the dangers facing people who work alone late at night. We have all been moved by their commitment to protecting workers who may be at risk of violence due to their location and hours of work, she said.
Employers now must prevent physical access to the worker by a locked door or barrier, or schedule more than one worker during late-night hours. If a worker is assigned to work alone and there is any risk of harm the employer must develop and implement a written procedure to ensure the worker's safety in handling money, WorkSafeBC said.
These amendments make a strong statement about the value that the community places on all workersespecially those who are vulnerable to acts of violence, said Ellis.
Sinclair said he hopes the new rules will set a precedent that other health and safety agencies across North America will follow.
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