Health Canada launches consultation for GHS implementation | Health Canada, OSHA agree to align hazardous communication standards | Saskatchewan using photo radar on highway construction sites
CANADA
Health Canada launches consultation for GHS implementation
Health Canada is launching a consultation that begins the process of applying the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for workplace chemicals in Canada.
Chemicals used in the workplace are produced and sold around the world. These products often have different label information depending on the safety rules in place where they are produced and sold, Health Canada said. The purpose of the GHS for workplace chemicals is to promote both workplace safety and international trade by applying definitions and safety information requirements that are globally accepted.
Health Canada, OSHA agree to align hazardous communication standards
An agreement to collaborate on implementing the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) — along with any future developments of the GHS — has been signed between the Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) of Health Canada and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States.
Under the agreement, HECSB and OSHA will establish a working group to reduce systematic barriers between the systems responsible for occupational safety and health of workplace chemicals. They will collaborate to reach common positions for the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on GHS about proposed updates to the system.
In Canada, legislation requires the adoption of the GHS by June 2015. Occupational health and safety legislation requires employers to train their workplaces on the GHS by June 2016.
In the U.S., OSHA aligned its hazard communication standard with the GHS in March. All employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace must conduct new training for workers on the new label elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding by December 2013.
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan using photo radar on highway construction sites
Saskatchewan is using photo radar in an effort to deter speeding through highway construction zones.
As of July 15, photo radar is operational in random work zones across the province, taking photos of vehicle license plates of drivers observed exceeding the speed limit of 60 km/h.
Tickets will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. In addition to the cameras, the province is also upping the fines. Previously, fines for speeding in the work zone started at $140 and increased by $2 to $4 for every km/h over the speed limit.
The new base fine is $210, and will increase by $3 to $6 per km/h over the speed limit. There is also a victim surcharge, which increases in severity by speed.
A driver caught going through a work zone at 70 km/h would face a total fine of $300. At 100 km/h, the fine would jump to $530.
The province said tickets will be verified by the RCMP to determine if there is enough evidence to issue a ticket in each instance.
In August 2012, Ashley Richards, a flag person, was killed on the job. Since that time, the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, Ministry of Justice, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, RCMP, Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and other partners have been working together to improve safety in work zones, the province said.
