Occupational Safety General Regulations Approved

Provincial cabinet has given final approval to the Occupational Safety General Regulations, Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon said today. The new rules will replace and update the current Industrial Safety and Construction Safety regulations.

"This is another important step towards making Nova Scotian workplaces the safest in North America," said Mr. MacKinnon on the Day of Mourning, a time for Nova Scotians to remember and reflect on workplace accidents and tragedies. "A lot of hard work and long hours went into the development of these regulations, and I want to thank all of those who assisted us with the process."

In particular, Mr. MacKinnon praised the work of the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council and the assistance provided by its members.

"Occupational Health and Safety is a shared responsibility," Mr. MacKinnon said. "When we work together, we can influence positive change."

In 1992, the council was asked to conduct a review of occupational health and safety policies and laws administered by the Department of Labour. This review was completed in late 1995.

The Occupational Health and Safety Division then assumed the responsibility for completion of the review and the subsequent introduction of regulations.

"I am pleased that, for the most part, both labour and management support these changes," Mr. MacKinnon said. "The regulations will apply to all workplaces, including the Crown. Our task now is to apply these regulations with due diligence and common sense.

Copies of the new regulations can be obtained at the Government Bookstore, 1700 Granville St., Halifax, 902-424-7580. It is also available at Access Nova Scotia outlets, or by accessing the Nova Scotia government website at http://www.gov.ns.ca .