Nova Scotia's Occupational Health and Safety Act is based on the idea that the primary responsibility for occupational health and safety is shared by everyone connected with that workplace — including employers, employees, contractors, owners and suppliers. This is known as the Internal Responsibility System (IRS). Since some people at the workplace have more power to influence health and safety at the workplace, they bear more responsibility than someone with less power. For example, an employer will usually bear more responsibility than a supplier of goods.
The Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Department of Labour promotes the importance of occupational health and safety, provides support to the people at the workplace as they carry out their occupational health and safety responsibilities, and steps in when these responsibilities are not being carried out. However, ultimate responsibility for occupational health and safety remains with the people directly connected with the workplace.
Employers must take every reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety of persons at or near the workplace. As an employer, some of your main responsibilities include:
Employees must take every reasonable precaution to protect their own the health and safety and the health and safety of other people at or near the workplace. As an employee, some of your main responsibilities include:
To find out more about your responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations, contact:
Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education
Occupational Health & Safety Division
PO Box 697
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2T8
Phone: (902)424-5400 or 1-800-9LABOUR (in N.S.)
Fax: (902)424-5640
Secure Enquiry Form
Single copies of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations, and related publications are available from the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Department of Labour at no charge.