Enforcement
Annual State of Safety 2024
Enforcement
We are committed to a fair, progressive, and proportionate approach to enforcement. We take action to minimize public hazards and prevent unqualified individuals and businesses, as well as unpermitted equipment and systems, from operating. We keep a record of duty holders’ work to address patterns of repeated non-compliance when necessary.
Our primary goal is to protect public safety and foster confidence in the safety system by enabling duty holders to achieve compliance. This aligns with our mandate to oversee public safety related to regulated technical systems and equipment.
Learn more about our approach to enforcement.
1,771
investigations conducted
112
compliance orders issued
$26,500
highest monetary penalty in 2024
Enforcement for Compliance and Safety
In BC, any person who advertises, performs and/or authorizes the performance of regulated work must comply with the legal requirements outlined in the Safety Standards Act and associated regulations. We focus on raising awareness among duty holders about their legal obligations and responsibilities. We also work to make compliance easier by simplifying the use of our systems, like getting permits, and by providing education and raising awareness.
As a result of these efforts, we've seen a consistent increase in the number of license holders who are meeting their legal obligations. This has reduced the need for active compliance management and enforcement, allowing us to concentrate on the smaller proportion of individuals and businesses that require enforcement measures to encourage compliance.
In 2024, we conducted 1,771 investigations, and two regulatory audits related to compliance and enforcement. These activities resulted in 112 compliance orders and 18 warning notices issued. Two monetary penalties were imposed, with the highest amount being $26,500 that was issued to a landlord for failing to obtain a permit and correct high-risk non-compliances associated with unpermitted electrical work in their tenant's suite.
Learn more about the types of enforcement actions we take and what they mean for businesses and contractors.
Compliance and Enforcement by Technology in 2024
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Compliance and Enforcement by Year (2020-2024)
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Monetary Penalties in 2024
$26,000
imposed on Access Superior Mechanical Ltd. and Aars Shiddheek* for performing unsafe, unpermitted work at multiple locations.
*also known as Aars Shiddeek, Aar Aboobucker Shiddheek, and Aar Subuhan Shiddheek.
$26,500
imposed on landlord Gurmail Sanghera for failing to obtain a permit and correct high-risk non-compliances linked to unpermitted electrical work.
Penalties for Unpermitted, Non-Compliant Work
In 2024, we investigated a licensed gas contractor who performed unpermitted work at multiple locations in their community. Inspections at these sites identified moderate-risk non-compliance with codes and regulations. Certificates of Inspection were issued to the contractor, outlining the non-compliances and providing four weeks to obtain the required permits, correct the issues, and call for inspections at each site.
When the contractor failed to meet these requirements within the four-week timeframe, a compliance order was issued. The contractor did not comply with the order, resulting in a monetary penalty of $26,000. Despite multiple opportunities to comply and pay the penalty, the contractor failed to do so. Consequently, Technical Safety BC enforced the monetary penalty by filing with the Courts, which have the authority under the Court Order Enforcement Act to seize property and belongings to satisfy outstanding debts.
Public Registry: Enforcement Actions Taken Against Licensed Contractors
A key component of building confidence in the safety system is ensuring the public has access to important information about the licensed contractor they are considering hiring. This includes details about the contractor’s compliance with legal requirements and their commitment to meeting industry standards.
Enforcement actions taken against licensed contractors are publicly posted on our website and can be found using our Find a Licensed Contractor in BC lookup tool. Enforcement information includes the type of action taken, the reason for the action, and the date that the action was taken.
This increased transparency allows British Columbians to make informed decisions when hiring a licensed contractor.