New Occupational Health and Safety Regulations for Prince Edward Island - February 2006

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Workers Compensation Board are working to improve workplace health and safety for Islanders. The Occupational Health and Safety Act regulations now includes provisions for Violence in the Workplace and Working Alone as well as updated amendments for Scaffolding and Hoisting Apparatus.

“The new and updated Occupational Health and Safety Act regulations are key in fostering a stronger workplace safety culture on Prince Edward Island. The Regulations will now ensure greater protection for workers and employers in regard to workplace health and safety standards,” said Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs.

The Violence in the Workplace and Working Alone amendments require employers to conduct a risk assessment of the workplace to determine whether or not a risk of injury to workers from violence arising out of their employment may be present. Where risk is identified by the assessment, the employer will be required to take steps to eliminate or minimize the risk. In the case of a worker having to work alone, the employer is required to develop and implement written procedures to ensure the worker’s health and safety and provide a training program for workers in these situations.

The new Regulations will become effective May 1, 2006. George Stewart, Director of Occupational Health and Safety for the Workers Compensation Board, said “the Workers Compensation Board will be providing workshops for employers and workers on Regulations as well as a host of educational materials that will be available on the WCB website or at the Charlottetown office. For instance, in regard to the Hoisting Apparatus amendments a mandatory inspection program is now required on all hoists and lift equipment; and regarding the Scaffolding amendments, the regulations now take into account the use of new methods and devices the construction industry utilizes. We will work with employers and workers to build a solid understanding of the new requirements and provide ongoing education and training toward this end.”

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

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