Board is proposing changes to the OHS Act, the Administration Regulation 84-26 and General Regulation 91-191
WorkSafeNB is looking to make changes to the province’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and is seeking stakeholder input.
Specifically, the board of directors is proposing changes to the OHS Act, the Administration Regulation 84-26 and General Regulation 91-191.
Many among the proposals focus primarily on housekeeping items.
However, the board is particularly interested in a proposal that would require employers to maintain JHSC meeting minutes for a specified amount of time, rather than requiring JHSCs to send meeting minutes to WorkSafeNB.
“As a stakeholder-driven organization, we believe the proposed amendments warrant consultation with New Brunswickers,” according to the agency.
Specifically, WorkSafeNB is seeking input to help determine:
- Support for improved safety measures.
- The business impact on New Brunswick workplaces.
WorkSafeNB recently appointed Tim Petersen to be its president and CEO.
The consultation will run from Aug. 11 until Sept. 8, 2022.
WorkSafeNB has a legal obligation to review the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and its corresponding regulations every five years, and this year marks the first review under this obligation.
“We value your knowledge and expertise and seek to integrate your feedback into our decision-making process. We will publish a consultation summary once results are compiled,” according to WorkSafeNB.
In June, WorkSafeNB continued to seek stakeholder feedback as it looks to better support workplace safety through Phase II of its regulatory review. That month, the agency also announced it is providing immediate treatment for workers who suffer from traumatic psychological injuries (TPI).
Several other provinces previously made changes to their separate OHS rules.
Recently, Alberta introduced a new occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation search tool that provides work site parties with a more convenient way to access essential health and safety information.
On April 11, 2022, Ontario’s Bill 88, Working for Workers Act, 2021 [1] received Royal Assent and became law. The legislation includes amendments to fine amounts for convictions related to contraventions or non-compliance with the Act and its regulations.
Lastly, on July 1, Yukon’s legislation – which combines the territory’s previous Workers’ Compensation Act and its Occupational Health and Safety Act to become the Worker Safety and Compensation Act – took effect.
