OHS Sunset Clause Introduced

A sunset clause added to the Occupational Health and Safety Act was introduced in the legislature today. It will see all occupational health and safety regulations renewed every five years. During the five-year period, the regulations would be reviewed, including appropriate stakeholder consultation.

Angus MacIsaac, Acting Minister of the Department of Environment and Labour, said the clause is meant to put in place a system in which rules are renewed to keep pace with technology and with the changing workplace environment.

"The Occupational Health and Safety Act is key to worker safety. It is essential that regulations be kept current," Mr. MacIsaac said. "This clause meets this government's commitment to keep these regulations up to date."

For instance, the Occupational Safety General Regulations that go into effect Nov. 1 of this year will be completely reviewed by 2005.

In order to get the process started and to complete the review in five years, a first group of regulations will be completed early in four years. They include Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Regulations, First Aid Regulations, Disclosure of Information Regulations and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulations.

The remaining regulations review will be completed over five years.