Service NL
December 27, 2013
Government Maintains Commitment to Health and Well-Being of Families and
Communities in 2013
Enhancements to Health and Safety a Top Priority for Service NL
A number of initiatives by Service NL resulted in enhanced health and safety for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in 2013, both at work and at home.
“As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians, we have introduced a number of important and effective
initiatives across the province, as well as legislative enhancements to
offshore safety practices and the Highway Traffic Act. We are always working
to discover new ways to promote and improve health and safety for families
and our communities.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL
Amendments to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord
Implementation Newfoundland and Labrador Act, currently before the House of
Commons, will significantly strengthen occupational health and safety
legislation for the offshore oil and gas industry in Newfoundland and
Labrador, specifically with respect to workers in transit to or from
offshore platforms.
In addition, new amendments to the Highway Traffic Act were passed to
enhance road safety for emergency and service personnel working at roadside,
as well as the travelling public. Other amendments will prohibit slow-moving
vehicles from travelling on highways, clearly define school zones with
respect to speeding violations and ensure that there are only as many
passengers in a vehicle as there are seat belts.
Service NL also announced the Labrador West Medical Audit in 2013. The audit
represents an important step in the Provincial Government’s long-term plan
to reduce the risk of silicosis, a lung disease which results from exposure
to silica dust. Other initiatives undertaken in 2013 include awareness
blitzes for scaffolding safety and working alone and demonstrations for
tractor trailer inspections.
“Undertaking initiatives which promote safe practices is an important
component for raising awareness in industry and the general public. It’s
important that we all know what we can do to stay safe so that we can all
return home at the end of day.”
- Minister Crummell
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting
important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being
of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
- Various government initiatives enhanced health and safety in Newfoundland and Labrador for 2013.
- Amendments to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Newfoundland and Labrador Act, once passed in the House of Commons, are tailored to reflect the different offshore workplace parties and unique offshore working environment and are based on the principles of transparency, accountability, and enforceability.
- Amendments made to the Highway Traffic Act during the fall 2013 sitting of the House of Assembly include “move over” legislation, to ensure the safety of emergency and service personnel at roadside, prohibiting slow moving vehicles from driving on high speed roads and clarity around the definition of a school zone to ensure better enforcement of speed restrictions.
- The Labrador West
Medical Audit will provide the Provincial Government with information to
enhance awareness and education for those working in the mining industry and
for medical professionals.
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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca
2013 12 27 10:35 a.m.