New Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
It’s the law in Nunavut
Iqaluit, NU (April 7, 2016) – The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) announces the new Occupational Health and Safety Regulations are now law in Nunavut.
The Regulations stem from the Internal Responsibility System (IRS), in which workplace safety is the shared responsibility of employers and workers. They give workplaces a modern framework that is relevant to Northern operations today, ensuring Northerners have clear, complete direction, and workers and employers operating in more than one territory or province have increased familiarity with OHS requirements. The Regulations launched in the Northwest Territories in 2015 and many Nunavut organizations have used this time to familiarize themselves with the changes.
“It is very important for employers to thoroughly review the new Regulations to see how they apply to their workplaces. Those that were compliant with the previous General Safety Regulations should find the transition to the new Regulations to be a natural progression in their internal safety programs. The WSCC is available by phone and email to answer questions, and will also be conducting information sessions in the major communities across Nunavut,” says Dave Grundy, WSCC President & CEO.
These Regulations apply to all businesses operating in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, with the exception of those that are Federally regulated. The Regulations are both the law, and fundamental to sustaining a strong Northern safety culture. The WSCC will be travelling to major centres in Nunavut to provide additional information and answer questions any employers or workers may have, face-to-face. Additionally, anyone who has questions about compliancy are encouraged to contact us at OHSRegs@wscc.nu.ca.
The new Regulations are available for download at OHSRegs.ca.
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Kim Walker
Manager, Communications
T: (867) 920-3846
TF: (800) 661-0792 ext. 3846