News Release Archive
LABOUR--NEW FALL PROTECTION & SCAFFOLDING REGULATIONS
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New fall protection and scaffolding regulations have been
approved to help protect Nova Scotians who work at heights,
announced Labour Minister Guy Brown today.
"The new regulations mark a positive change in philosophy,"
said the minister. "The old focus was on how to catch you if
you fell. The new regulations focus on preventing the fall
in the first place."
Between 1991 and 1994, the cost of Workers' Compensation
Board (WCB) claims involving work-related falls was
approximately $13 million. "The new regulations provide
employers and employees with a framework for preventing
accidents, controlling costs and improving workplace health
and safety."
The regulations were developed as part of the review of
workplace health and safety rules by the Nova Scotia
Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council. A working
group of employer and employee representatives examined
practical ways to improve the regulations. There was
extensive consultation with industry groups on the impact
and content of the new rules.
The regulations create a general duty to use fall protection
equipment if there is a risk of falling from heights in a
workplace. Flexibility is maintained by allowing the
employer to choose the type of fall protection that best
meets the needs of the workers and the project.
"The new guidelines are clear and complete," said Mr. Brown.
"They provide a more consistent approach, tailored to the
needs of individual workplaces."
The new regulations also modernize fall protection and
scaffolding rules - many of which date back 25 years. For
example, the new regulations remove references to horse
scaffolds, ladder jacks, and portable bracket scaffolds
- no longer in use or generally regarded as unsafe.
"Times and technology have changed, and the regulations
reflect that reality. The rules will now work better for
employees and employers alike."
The changes include clearer standards for the performance,
design and construction of scaffolds and fall protection
equipment. It brings Nova Scotia's standards in line with
those used across Canada.
Provisions for working over water have been improved and
updated, and protection from falling objects has been
included. The regulations also incorporate the
currently-used code of practice for roofing.
The regulations are now in place and effective for the
coming construction season.
-30-
EDITORS NOTE:
#1 -- Working group membership included: the Construction
Association of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Power, Halifax
District School Board, Nova Scotia Home Builders
Association, the Labourers' International Union, Marine
Workers' Federation, International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Canadian Union of Public Employees, United
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
#2 -- Copies of the new regulations are available at Nova
Scotia Communications Services, Ground Floor, 1700 Granville
Street, Halifax.
Contact: Jennifer MacIsaac 902-424-4680 or 902-424-3219
Communication Services 424-4492 or 1-800-670-4357
trp Jan. 04, 1996
