Employers and supervisors must continue to assess their worker's competency to ensure safe work, says agency
WorkSafeNL is extending the expiry date for safety training certificates issued for Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry, Mine Rescue and Traffic Control Person Level II to February 28, 2022.
Citing Newfoundland and Labrador’s current public health measures, the agency noted that in-class training courses may not be widely available to workers at this time.
“Training providers continue to operate at reduced capacity, and extending certificates will help address the limited capacity. Workers are encouraged to renew training certificates as training becomes available and safe to do so,” said WorkSafeNL.
However, employers must not tolerate workers that do not meet safety standards, according to the agency.
“During this time, employers and supervisors must continue to assess their worker’s competency to ensure safe work. If competency is not satisfactory, action should be taken accordingly.”
In September 2021, 39 miners were rescued from a mine near Sudbury, Ontario.
Risk assessment is key to an effective mine rescue plan, according to a previous report.
Meanwhile, expiry dates are not extended:
- Traffic Control Person I
- Power Line Hazards
- Occupational Health and Safety Committee Member/Representative/Designate
- Supervisor Health and Safety
- First Aid (blended learning)
This is because virtual training options are available for these certification courses.
WorkplaceNL is also encouraging stakeholders to check its online Certification Training Registry for available courses.
