News release

Province Updates Workplace Safety Legislation

Labour and Workforce Development (April 2008 - Jan. 2011)

Employers and employees will benefit from updated workplace safety legislation in Nova Scotia.

Amendments introduced today, Dec. 2, to the Occupational Health and Safety Act revise the legislation to better reflect current practices and precedents set in the courts.

"No matter where you work, each and every Nova Scotian has the right to come home safe at the end of the day," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Marilyn More. "Workplace safety is a responsibility shared by all of us and keeping the law up-to-date is an important part of this process."

Changes to the act update the legislation by correcting outdated references and clarifying definitions, streamlining processes for submitting documents and for establishing appeal panels from a designated pool of candidates.

"These amendments were developed after consultation with our partners and based on the experiences and expertise of our staff. They reflect the current practices of industry and changes that have occurred over past several years," said Ms. More.

The amendments also enhance privacy protections for employees when safety monitoring is allowed to be observed by others.