HUGE RESPONSE TO WORKPLACE SAFETY INFORMATION SESSIONS

More than 425 individuals participated in the first series of information sessions by the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety to explain the new Occupational Health and Safety amendments. Workshops were held in Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and Swift Current during the week of June 25.

"I'm very pleased by the initial response from employers, employees and safety organizations to these important information sessions," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "Participants are getting a first-hand opportunity to understand the changes and to ask questions about their roles and responsibilities in ensuring a safe workplace."

The government passed the amendments to The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 in May 2012. They include:

• Significant increases in fines for violations of the Act;
• Enhanced duties of employers, supervisors and suppliers; and
• Greater onus on the duties of owners and prime contractors in the coordination of site safety on worksites with multiple employers or self-employed persons.

The amendments will take effect following proclamation on September 3, 2012. Additional information sessions are scheduled for the fall in 16 communities across Saskatchewan, starting September 6 in Moose Jaw.

To register for a session, please call 1-800-657-7233 or 1-800-667-5023. For more information about the amendments to the OHS Act including an interpretive guide visit www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/information-sessions-ohs-legislative-amendments.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926