Newfoundland and Labrador begins public consultations on workers' compensation | Nova Scotia looks for input on penalties for safety violations | Nova Scotia seeks to conduct OHS-related searches in other provinces | WSIB coverage mandatory for most of Ontario's construction industry
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Newfoundland and Labrador begins public consultations on workers’ compensation
The public consultation process of the statutory review of the workplace health, safety and compensation system in Newfoundland and Labrador is underway.
Consultation sessions will begin mid-January 2013 and continue until the end of February 2013.
In early 2012, the minister of service appointed representatives to a Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC), which will oversee the statutory review process.
The committee invites submissions and presentations on these themes.
To register to participate in advance, call the statutory review committee office at (709) 778-4804 or email [email protected]. The committee will also accept written submissions until March 1.
NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia looks for input on penalties for safety violations
Nova Scotia wants to hear from its residents on how to make its workplaces the safest in the country.
The province and the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) are in the final stages of developing a five-year workplace safety strategy. More than 1,000 people and groups have participated in consultation sessions across the province and the government would like input from more people. The deadline to provide feedback is Jan. 22.
A review of administrative penalties was launched in November, after employers and businesses voiced concerns with the penalties, their effectiveness, and inconsistent assessing. This review is part of the workplace safety strategy.
Nova Scotia seeks to conduct OHS-related searches in other provinces
Nova Scotia hopes to gain authority to execute search warrants in other provinces for summary offences such as workplace safety infractions, according to the province’s justice minister.
This would make the province the first in the country to seek to gather evidence from other provinces in cases connected to Nova Scotia.
Other provinces and territories would have to sign reciprocal agreements in order for the changest to take place, Justice Minister Ross Landry said.
ONTARIO
WSIB coverage mandatory for most of Ontario’s construction industry
Almost all workers in Ontario’s construction industry are now required to have Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage.
Effective Jan. 1, most independent operators, small businesses and executive officers in a corporation working in construction were required to begin paying WSIB premiums. Executive officers and partners whose businesses are already registered with the WSIB also must report their own earnings and pay premiums.
Coverage costs are determined by earnings and the activity of the business.
Exemptions are available for home renovators exclusively working in the field of renovation that are contracted directly with the individual living in the residence under construction. Businesses are also permitted to choose one executive officer or partner to apply for an exemption from coverage. The executive or partner must not perform any construction work on the project.
