Nova Scotia looks for feedback on workplace safety

Province sets Jan. 22 deadline for online input

Nova Scotia wants to hear from its residents on how to make its workplaces the safest in the country.

The province and the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) are in the final stages of developing a five-year workplace safety strategy. More than 1,000 people and groups have participated in consultation sessions across the province and the government would like input from more people. The deadline to provide feedback is Jan. 22.

There were 30 consultations across the province. Key findings included:

• the importance of improving safety culture
• getting leadership commitment from all organizations
• education and training
• inspection and enforcement
• performance measures
• solutions for small and medium-sized businesses

"Over the past several months, we have gathered excellent insight and information from hundreds of employees, employers and safety partners on how we can make our workplaces safer,” said Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Marilyn More. “Before this important strategy is finalized, we want to be sure Nova Scotians had more opportunity to provide suggestions.”

A review of administrative penalties was launched in November, after employers and businesses voiced concerns with the penalties, their effectiveness, and inconsistent assessing. This review is part of the workplace safety strategy.

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