News Release Archive
HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL--CONSULTATION ----------------------------------------------------------------- In the coming months, Nova Scotians will have the opportunity to help rewrite the rule book for occupational health and safety in the province. Indoor air quality and violence in the workplace are examples of regulations coming up for comment. The Nova Scotia Health and Safety Advisory Council is now launching its next round of public consultation on the province's Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations and policy. In the next few months, it will be releasing a number of documents for public input. Topics include proposed regulations for violence in the workplace and indoor air quality, changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations, and requirements for joint workplace health and safety committees. "These issues are of great importance to employers and employees and their families, as well as government and industry organizations," said Bob McArel, co-chairman of the advisory council and director of industrial relations with Nova Scotia Power Inc. "We encourage anyone with an interest in workplace health and safety to get a copy of our documents and tell us what they think." The advisory council, formed in 1986 to advise the minister of labour, has equal representation from employer and employee groups, as well as members from the Department of Labour, the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Medical Society and other interested groups and individuals. Working groups, typically consisting of people directly impacted by the topic being addressed, review all discussion materials. Working groups are also balanced with equal representation from business and labour. The groups are supported by legal, technical and research support staff seconded from the Department of Labour. Over the past two years, advisory council members have been working on updating the province's occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and policy. As consensus is reached, recommendations are forwarded to the minister. The review process is scheduled to end Sept. 30, 1995. "We want every Nova Scotian to have an opportunity to offer ideas, opinions and suggestions," said Rob Wells, advisory council co-chairman and Canadian Union of Public Employees' health and safety representative. "Before putting forward recommendations on issues that affect all Nova Scotians, we want to hear from those Nova Scotians." -30- Contact: Pat Clahane, 424-5420 NOTE TO EDITORS For a list of council members, background information on the Advisory Council, and consultation deadlines call 424-5420. lm January 20, 1995