Kimber and Tucker Safety Coordinators
NEWSLETTER
Winter, 2016
Date: January 1, 2016
Attention: Current Safety Clients
Again this season, Kimber and Tucker have a few announcements relating to your Safety Programs. Please take a few minutes to review the following, initiated as part of our continued commitment to effectively coordinate your current Safety Program.
PEI – Establishment of Safety Associations:
Early last month, a copy of a press release from the Workers Compensation Board of PEI was mailed to all PEI clients from this office. The release, dated October 30, 2015, indicated a change had been made to the Workers Compensation Act to allow for the establishment of safety associations. Highlights of this new system include:
- The new policy sets out the terms and conditions related to a safety association including the application and approval process, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements.
- The decision to make changes to the Act was based on recommendations from the 2012 Legislative Review Advisory Committee. In 2013, a bill to amend the Act was introduced into the Legislative Assembly. The Bill included a provision to allow for the formation and funding of safety associations for the purpose of the promotion and training in accident prevention.
- The policy has been approved in principle by the WCB Board of Directors and will go out to public consultation before final approval. It is anticipated that the policy process will be concluded by the end of 2015, and that the WCB would be in a position to accept applications in 2016.
Nova Scotia- Requirement for Scaffold Training:
As a reminder, Scaffold Training is required for all workers who use scaffolding. The Training must be equivalent to what the worker is using the scaffold for. Even if the worker does not assemble/construct the scaffold system, the worker must know how to safely work while using that particular scaffold system.
Fall Protection Legislation was initiated in June/2013. Most workers were trained during the calendar year 2013. With a 3 year renewal period, most Fall Protection Training is set to expire in 2016. Please contact your Coordinator to review your training records, and facilitate re-certifications if required.
New Brunswick- WorkSafe NB officers added:
As part of their ongoing commitment to help employers create healthy and safe work environments, WorkSafe NB has hired seven additional health and safety officers. This means increased prevention activities, expanded educational resources, and more presence and support for N.B. employers.
Beginning in 2016, WorkSafe NB health and safety officers will visit businesses that have not had recent inspections. Inspections will address such topics as orientation, incident reporting, health and safety committees, and first aid.
Terms of Reference:
Terms of Reference documents were issued to all clients over the past twelve month period. This document has been well received, and now forms the basis of our relationship with your firm. By better defining our role, we have also better defined the complete set of services we now offer. The long list of items we assist clients with has grown substantially over the course of 19 years, this document brings everyone up to speed. Clients are encouraged to take advantage of our complete “What We Do” service package.
Training Courses (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI:
We continue to conduct on-demand Compliance Training. Your Coordinator can personally review these Training elements, and respond to any questions you may have. These program additions are part of our goal to better serve and effectively coordinate your Safety Program.
Free on-line WHMIS 2015:
For a limited time, the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is offering free on-line WHMIS 2015 certificate training. Visit www.ccohs for more information.
Reminders:
- We continue to accept Visa/MasterCard payment. Please contact this office if you wish to add your company to the growing list of firms who are taking advantage of this service.
- Our website can be located at www.kimbertuckersafetycoordinators.com.
Regards
Jim and Nevin