WCB Releases Aquaculture Safety Code of Practice

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) in cooperation with the Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance has released an Aquaculture Safety Code of Practice for the Island. The Aquaculture Safety Code of Practice was developed to help aquaculturists and their workers identify and control situations or hazards that could cause harm in the workplace.

George Stewart, Director of Occupational Health and Safety for WCB, said "the code of practice provides key workplace health and safety information for the industry including basic responsibilities under the act, identification of common hazards, and guidelines to practices specific to PEI aquaculture such as diving safety, boat safety and harvesting safety."

Linda Duncan, Executive Director of the Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance, said "having a safety code that is relevant to aquaculture in PEI is a positive stride that identifies best practices to ensure the safety and well being of personnel at all our industry’s worksites whether on land or on the water."

The code of practice is intended to be used in conjunction with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and does not replace them. It is one of many tools available to assist mussel, oyster and finfish growers to protect themselves and their workers.

Nancy Guptill, Chair of WCB, said "the aquaculture industry on Prince Edward Island is now poised to make a difference in preventing workplace injuries. With the code of practice in place, and upcoming education sessions available for workers and employers, we are in a better position than ever of taking responsibility for each other’s safety every day."

For more information contact Mark Barrett:

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