November 22, 1999
(Environment and Labour)

The following statement was issued today by Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

It gives me great pleasure to inform honourable members of this House that later today, I will be introducing a Bill to Amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

This bill is designed to improve occupational health and safety in the province, as well as the effective administration of the existing legislation in a number of key areas.

This bill demonstrates a flexible approach to dealing with occupational health and safety while at the same time, maintaining and enhancing the high standards of health and safety required for the protection of workers in the province. It reinforces government's commitment to working in a balanced partnership with employers and employees to build healthier and safer workplaces for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This new legislation will, among other things:

- place greater emphasis on employers and employees with respect to the safe operation of devices and equipment at the workplace;

- make occupational health and safety committees mandatory for workplaces where 10 or more workers are employed;

- provide flexibility in obtaining the services of medical practitioners with expertise in occupational medicine;

- significantly increase the fines and penalties that can be imposed for violations of the legislation.

Health and safety on the job is everyone's responsibility. Employers have a responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all their employees. Workers have a responsibility to ensure they work safely for their protection and for the protection of their fellow workers. Government must ensure that the proper regulations are in place to ensure a safe workplace and that violaters of these regulations are held responsible for their actions.

1999 11 22                    4:05 p.m.