Tighter Enforcement For Workplace Safety

The Department of Environment and Labour has a new tool to help enforce laws that protect Nova Scotians in the workplace.

Nova Scotia's occupational health and safety officers can now issue summary offence tickets for two offences under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

A summary offence ticket, with a fine of $450, can be issued to people and organizations in a workplace who do not provide a compliance notice indicating they have complied with an officer's earlier order. A summary offence ticket, with a fine of $800, can be issued for failing to comply with an order.

"The health and safety of workers in this province is a priority of government. We are continually improving our health and safety systems to help reduce accidents and injuries in the workplace," said Minister of Environment and Labour Kerry Morash. "The use of summary offence tickets is an additional tool to help bring workplaces into compliance with the occupational health and safety laws."

The minister said the Department of Environment and Labour focuses first on educating people in the workplace and working with them to bring businesses into compliance. When this does not work, officers can turn to enforcement options which include issuing a summary offence ticket or laying charges against the offender. Employers or employees found guilty of an offence against the Occupational Health and Safety Act can be subject to fines of up to $250,000 and/or up to two years in jail.

"It's important for the officers to have options for enforcement when orders are not being followed," said Mr. Morash. "Continued offences by a workplace are unacceptable and will result in a penalty."

The occupational health and safety division joins other divisions in the Department of Environment and Labour who use summary offence tickets as part of their enforcement system.

For more information on occupational health and safety laws, see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ohs or call 1-800-952-2687.