Occupational Health and Safety Initiative Consultation Begins

The province is looking for suggestions to help make safety a priority and responsibility of every employee, regardless of position, in every workplace in Nova Scotia.

A program, called the Internal Responsibility System, promotes respect for safety leaders and the idea that everyone should find opportunities to think about, and apply, safety to daily responsibilities, from researching the safest equipment to mopping up a spill.

Public consultation on a provincial strategy has begun.

"The thoughts and input of interested people will not only help shape a good program, but will also underline the message that we each have a role to play in making safety a priority," said Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "Nova Scotia is committed to being the national leader in promoting the Internal Responsibility System principle."

The strategy may include strengthening regulations if required, enhancing workplace awareness and education, promoting compliance, building partnerships and supporting incentives for employers and setting worthy goals.

"Encouraging and improving the practical application of the Internal Responsibility System can improve workplace safety performance in Nova Scotia, which is always the ultimate goal of the partners in the Workplace Safety and Insurance System," said Mr. Parent. "Internal responsibility is the underlying principle of all health and safety initiatives."

The public comment period ends Friday, Jan. 9. The discussion paper is available on the Labour and Workforce Development website at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/healthandsafety/ . People can obtain a copy by calling 420-5400 or 1-800-952-2687 (toll free in Nova Scotia).