Diving Regulations To Make Industry Safer

Nova Scotians who work under water will be safer thanks to new occupational diving regulations that come into effect on May 1, 2006.

The new regulations will improve workplace safety in the occupational diving industry by addressing key issues like equipment, operational procedures and emergency plans.

"The goal is to reduce the possibility of workplace injury and death by establishing minimum safety standards for occupational diving," Kerry Morash, Minister of Environment and Labour said today, Sept. 12. "I thank everyone who took the time to consult with us on these regulations. Together we will make this industry safer."

Mr. Morash said diving without adequate safeguards is one of the province's most hazardous occupations. There have been three diving-related deaths in the province in the past two years and several close calls.

The province is committed to creating a competitive climate that supports business, while at the same time ensuring the protection of the things that are important to Nova Scotians -- public health and safety, a clean environment and safe workplaces.

To accomplish this balance, the Department of Environment and Labour has developed a Diving Safety Strategy to guide organizations in safer work practices.

The backbone of the strategy uses education and awareness to help businesses comply with and create a safer work environment. Mr. Morash said that minimum safety standards will protect occupational divers and promote a level-playing field for industry.

The strategy includes making diver training available by partnering with other government agencies, providing information to industry and those who hire diving contractors, and making plain language guides available.

"Under the Diving Safety Strategy, our first priority is to work with industry to help make workplaces safer," said Mr. Morash. "In fact, a good deal of the industry is already operating safely and will not have any problems meeting the minimum standards. However, if we find significant violations, we have all the tools to bring a business into compliance for the protection of their workers."