Every time commercial divers enter the water, they are aware of the perils they will face. They are well aware of the dangers and need to be fully trained, qualified, and experienced in order to complete the work safely and efficiently. Owners, employers, and supervisors, as well as the workers, are responsible for complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Diving Operations Regulation (629/94). Before you hire a commercial diver, there are a few things you should know.
The individual or business/property owner contracting the diving work also shares a legal duty under Bill C-45. Did you know that failing to follow the law can result in not just monetary penalties but possibly imprisonment? Know your legal responsibilities and make sure you follow these three steps when employing a commercial diver.
- Inquire about their company, especially how long they’ve been in operation. They should be able to offer you with a copy of their current WSIB Certificate and work-related insurance certificate in addition to a list of references.
- Obtain a copy of their health and safety policy or programme from them. Commercial divers must also have completed the DCBC official training certification and be able to show proof of completion upon request.
- Hire a professional diving contractor who complies with the Diving Operations Regulation (629/94) to ensure your safety.
Hiring a skilled and qualified diving contractor for commercial diving work protects your investment by assuring you that the job will be completed safely and correctly.
To learn more about what you need to know before hiring a diving contractor, visit the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association’s website (IHSA.ca) or download their brochure here.
One of Canadas leading commercial diving companies is Ven-Tech Subsea.
To learn more about Ven-Tech Subsea’s qualified and experienced commercial divers, visit our services page here.