Respiratory Protection Training Workshops Take Place as a Result of Alternate Sentencing - September 2005

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in partnership with the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) are holding a series of workshops in September and October on Respiratory Protection Training for Island workers and employers. The initiative is a direct result of the alternate sentencing fine levied against Atlantis BioActives Corporation due to a workplace fatality that occurred in 2004.

George Stewart, Director of Occupational Health and Safety with the Workers Compensation Board, said that “the WCB has been working with representatives of CSA to develop a two day course agenda for workers and employers to provide them with the necessary information to develop a respiratory protection program in Island workplaces.”

Stewart explained that “the court imposed sentencing provisions outlined in the BioActives case required Atlantis BioActives to pay $15,000 in fines directly to the WCB. In turn, WCB must use these funds for the purpose of workplace health and safety education. In this case the form of safety training being offered deals with Respiratory Protection.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Workers Compensation Board, Carol Anne Duffy, commented on the importance of the upcoming sessions for Island workers and employers and stressed that “prevention is key in reducing workplace injury and illness on Prince Edward Island.”

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

Tel: (902) 894-0362
Email: mabarrett@wcb.pe.ca