The 16 things WorkSafeBC expects in your hearing program, from noise measurement to annual tests. One page, ready to print.
Cedar dust contains plicatic acid, and western red cedar asthma is one of BC's best-documented occupational lung diseases. Symptoms often last long after exposure ends. Crews also breathe softwood dust, diesel and summer wildfire smoke.
BC's OHS Regulation doesn't require spirometry. But without a baseline, any later decline is presumed to be yours.
We've tested 45 workers at Sigurdson Forest Products in Chilliwack in a single visit.
Ignore shifts and you get 40% participation.
40-70 tests per day, alongside hearing testing for forestry and wood products.
For cedar, softwood dust and equipment exhaust.
Every test reviewed by a licensed physician.
Afternoon and night crews included.
We already test hearing in mills across the Fraser Valley, Interior and Island.
Mills need hearing tests anyway. Add spirometry: one disruption, one invoice.
Hearing testing is mandated and we're authorized (IAB #436). Spirometry isn't, and we won't sell it as compliance. Most mills still choose a baseline.
This is our second year working with Clear Health Group. Great experience with their hearing testing and mask fit testing services. The team was professional, organized, and very knowledgeable. Everything was explained clearly, and the testing process was quick and efficient.
They were also very accommodating with scheduling and made the process easy for our employees.
We recently used Clear Health Group for our company-wide annual hearing testing and respirator fit testing across two locations and two days. … Seamless and professional.
They showed up to our jobsite in Duncan, on time and were well prepared for our team to have their fit tests done on site.
Wonderful experience! Noah was lovely to coordinate with and the testing experience was seamless for our team! Would happily book again for our next test. Cheers!
Noah was a great technician. Explained everything well and answered all our questions.
My ear test was done by Noah and he explained everything in detail and helped me through the process. Excellent.
Noah from clear work was excellent. Really good communication skills and hardworking. I really appreciate the effort he put in our site for hearing test.
Happy to have booked with Clear Work. Noah & Nina were fast, easy to work with, and readily available. 5/5!
ClearHealth is fantastic. Very accommodating and Noah is an absolute pleasure. Very friendly, quick services, very efficient! Highly recommend.
Friendly, professional and accommodating team! Pleasure to work with.
I had my hearing test today. Noah did a great job and explained everything very well.
Overall it was a wonderful experience for the test. Very professional and good consultation regarding hearing loss prevention.
Just want to say, thank you Noah! It was a great and easy process! Very informative, interesting and useful information! Appreciate it!
Common questions about spirometry in BC sawmills, planer mills and forestry operations.
No. There is no section of the BC OHS Regulation that requires spirometry for wood dust or any other exposure. Where you have an exposure control plan, OHSR 5.54(2)(f) lists health monitoring as an element when required, and spirometry is how most employers meet that. Otherwise it is a voluntary program.
Cedar dust contains plicatic acid, which is a recognized respiratory sensitizer. Occupational asthma from red cedar exposure is well documented in British Columbia, and unlike an irritant reaction it can persist after exposure ends. Crews working cedar are the highest priority group in most mills.
We stay through shift change so afternoon and night crews are tested rather than skipped. For larger operations we schedule across two days or add technicians. Tell us your shift pattern when you book and we will build the day around it.
Yes, subject to access. Mill sites and yards are straightforward. For remote crews we need a place to set up with reasonable access - talk to us about the specific site and we will tell you honestly whether it works.
Yes, and that is how most mills do it. Your crew comes through once for both. See hearing testing for forestry and wood products for how that program runs.
For crews in cedar, softwood dust and diesel. Easiest alongside hearing tests.