BCRTC Investigation Report: Noise Complaint in OMC1 Training Simulation Room

Prepared by: Jason Mayo, CRSP — Manager, Safety and Environmental Compliance
Date: March 12, 2026
Prepared for: WorkSafeBC Claim Review (Inspection Report #202618842990A)

1. Executive Summary

On February 25, 2026, BCRTC received notice from WorkSafeBC regarding a worker complaint
alleging unhealthy noise levels at a workstation in the Operations and Maintenance Centre 1 (OMC1)
training simulation room. The worker submitted the concern directly to WorkSafeBC despite a
reviewed internal MyHSE concern.

BCRTC initiated a formal investigation that included:
e Internal spot noise measurements by the Railway Safety & Security (RSS) Department
e Anindependent third-party noise assessment by Acrose Consulting Ltd.

Both internal and external measurement results confirmed that noise levels in the training
simulation room are well below occupational exposure limits and present a low risk of noise
overexposure.

2. Background and Context
2.1. Nature of the Complaint

The worker self-reported his concern through the MyHSE platform with the following details:
e Safety Concern & Near Miss Form - Record # 75625
e Self-Submitted: January 22, 2026

The self-report contained the following text:

“| would like to bring to your attention the issue of ambient noise levels in the Control Training
Room on the floor 2 of OMC 1.

There is 2, large, floor mounted servers in the back corner of the room, behind work station3.
While the noise levels are not high enough by Work Safe BC standards to require hearing
protection (85dB during 8hrs), they are much too high for an office or learning environment. My
phone aB meter, while sitting at my assigned Work Station (3), is read upward of between 60 -
70db ambient noise level. Even with active noise canceling headphones, the noise is still quite
loud. Once ambient noise level exceeds 55 - 60 dB, it can interfere with concentration, and can
increase stress during mentally demanding tasks. It makes it especially hard for the student at
Work Station 3 to hear the instructor. | feel this noise level has many detrimental effect to all
students in the room, but especial those at work station 3.

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