PROVINCE PURSUES FURTHER INJURY RATE REDUCTIONS

This year’s provincial budget will help the province expand its successful workplace injury rate reduction strategy.

“This new funding will help us to implement two non-regulatory changes suggested by the Occupational Health and Safety Council after its review of our legislation,” Labour Minster David Forbes said.

The first focus will be to develop new educational resources, including a user-friendly interpretive guide to The Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.  Funding of $220,000 is being provided for this purpose.

“By presenting legislation in a way that is easier for the average person to use, we will increase people’s understanding of what must be done to ensure our workplaces are safe and healthy and in compliance with the legislation,” Forbes said.

In addition, the department will direct $60,000 toward a workplace occupational health committee needs analysis.  Workplace occupational health committees are an important component of workplace health and safety that supports a collaborative approach toward workplace-specific issues.  The needs analysis will help determine ways in which these committees can be better supported by the department.

“Over the past four years Saskatchewan has reduced its injury rate by 18 per cent and we are committed to reducing that rate even more,” Forbes said.

Saskatchewan was the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce occupational health and safety legislation thirty-five years ago.  Today, the province remains committed to reducing workplace illness and injury.  Consultations are currently underway regarding proposed changes to the current Act and regulations.

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For more information, contact:

Nadine Sisk
Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156
Email: nsisk@lab.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-1930