Truckers Get Financial Support for Safety Training

The provincial cabinet has approved a new regulation that puts more money into safety training for Nova Scotia truckers.

The regulation allows the Workers' Compensation Board to direct money paid to its accident fund by the trucking industry to be used by the industry for safety training initiatives.

"This further demonstrates government's determination to reduce accidents, provide safer workplaces, and help with reducing overall operating costs, which is consistent with our government's commitment to improve highway safety and education," said Labour Minister Ron Russell, who is also Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Act.

This move puts members of the Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association, formerly known as the Regional Industry Training Council, on a level playing field with other safety associations. The Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association, the Forestry Safety Society of Nova Scotia, and the Retail Gasoline Dealers Association of Nova Scotia already operate in this manner.

Mr. Russell said the change reinforces government's willingness to work with various industries to reduce operating costs through sound maintenance and operating procedures, including safer workplaces.

"A poll of the trucking industry revealed 80 per cent support for this change," said Mr. Russell. "This also gives this industry accountability to deal with training for Occupational Health and Safety."