AMENDMENTS TO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT TO RAISE FINES, INCREASE LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced legislative amendments aimed at improving workplace health and safety in the province.

The legislative amendments include:

• an increase in the maximum fines and range of penalties for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) violations;
• establishment of procedures related to the effectiveness of occupational health committees and programs;
• enhanced duties required of employers and other parties on training and supervision of employees and maintenance of equipment; and
• increased investigative authority for OHS officers.

The amendments to The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 are in response to consultations and review by the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety's Occupational Health and Safety Council. The Council consists of both labour and employer representatives.

"These changes will support everyone's goal of Mission Zero - eliminating all workplace injuries and fatalities," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "I want to thank all those who participated in the consultations, especially the Occupational Health and Safety Council for its important work."

More information on OHS can be found at http://www.lrws.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

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