Newfoundland Health and Safety

January 3 2002 - Occupational health and safety programs and policies are now mandatory in workplaces under provincial jurisdiction in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act which were approved earlier this year require that employers develop and implement written health and safety programs or policies for their workplace," said Labour Minister Anna Thistle. "These amendments were enacted arising out of recommendations of the Task Force on Workers’ Compensation. The desired outcome will be fewer workplace accidents and injuries, lower employers’ compensation premiums, less suffering of the injured worker and their family, and reduced administrative costs for handling workplace accidents and injuries."

Effective January 1, 2002, employers with 10 or more employees must develop and implement health and safety programs, while employers with fewer than 10 employees are required to implement a health and safety policy. Employers can access training and additional information on the required elements of their occupational health and safety program or policy through a province-wide training initiative. This is being delivered through the Health and Safety Training Unit, sponsored by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission.

"These changes will assist employers in their efforts to proactively comply with the general duties provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act," added Minister Thistle.

For more information on regulatory requirements in Newfoundland and Labrador, contact the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Department of Labour at 1-800-563-5471, or for training opportunities, contact the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission at 1-800-563-9000, ext. 1552 or 778-1552.