2020 Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation · 2020. 11. 27. · CHAPTER W210....
Transcript of 2020 Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation · 2020. 11. 27. · CHAPTER W210....
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Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act
and Regulation
2020
NOTICEAll persons making use of this consolidation are reminded that it has no legislative sanction; that the amendments have been embodied only for convenience of reference; and that the original text should be consulted for all purposes of interpreting and applying the law.
Printed: September 2020.Current as of date of printing.
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CHAPTER W21010/02
The Workplace SafetyAnd Health Act
NOTICEAll persons making use of this consolidation are reminded that it has no legislative sanction; that the amendments have been embodied only for convenience of reference; and that the original text should be consulted for all purposes of interpreting and applying the law.
Printed: September 2020.Current as of date of printing.
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Section
DEFINITIONS
1 Definitions
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
2 PurposesofAct 3 ApplicationofAct
DUTIES
4 Dutiesofemployers 4.1 Dutiesofsupervisors 5 Dutiesofworkers 6 Dutiesofself-employedpersons 7 Dutiesofprimecontractors 7.1 Dutiesofcontractors 7.2 Dutiesofowners 7.3 Dutiesofsuppliers 7.4 Workplacesafetyandhealthprogram 7.5 Dutytoproviderequiredinformation 7.6 Personswithmultiplefunctions 7.7 Responsibilityifdutiesapplytomorethanoneperson
RELATIONSHIP TO THE WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT
8 RelationshipofthisActtoThe Workers Compensation Act 9 EffectonliabilitiesunderWorkers Compensation Act 10 Renumberedassubsection14(4) 11 Renumberedassubsection14(5)
DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE DIRECTOR AND MINISTER
12 Dutiesofdirector 13 Powersofdirector 13.1 Publicreportingofordersandpenalties 14 Dutiesandpowersoftheminister 14.1 Review 15-16 Repealed
OFFICERS
17 Chiefoccupationalmedicalofficer 17.1 Chiefpreventionofficer
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REGULATIONS
18 Regulations 19 Codesofpractice 20 Failuretoobservecode,codeasevidence 21 Exemptionfromregulation
SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICERS
22 Safetyandhealthofficers 23 Dutiesofofficers 24 Powersofofficers 25 PowersofcommissionerunderEvidenceAct
IMPROVEMENT ORDERS
26 Improvementorders 27to31 Repealed 32 Renumberedassection36.3 33 Remedialmeasures 34 Periodtocomplywithorder 35 Reportingandachievingcompliance
STOP WORK ORDERS
36 Stopworkorders 36.1 Communicationoforders 36.2 Communicationoforderstoprimecontractor
APPEALS
37 Appealtodirector 38 ReferringanappealtoBoard 39 AppealtoBoard
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES
40 Workplacesafetyandhealthcommittee 41 Workplacesafetyandhealthrepresentative 41.1 Employerresponsetorecommendations 41.2 Informationonrequest 41.3 Accompanyinganofficer
DISCRIMINATORY ACTION
42 Discriminatoryactionagainstworkerprohibited 42.1 Referringacomplainttoanofficer
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RIGHT TO REFUSE DANGEROUS WORK
43 Righttorefusedangerouswork 43.1 Reportofdangerousconditiontoanofficer 43.2 Workerentitledtobepaiddespiterefusal 43.3 Employernottomakeworkerworkinunsafeconditions
EDUCATIONAL LEAVE
44 Educationalleave 45 Repealed
NEEDLES IN MEDICAL WORKPLACES
45.1 Useofsafety-engineeredneedles
INAPPROPRIATE OR UNSAFE FOOTWEAR
45.2 Inappropriateorunsafefootwear
GENERAL PROVISIONS
46 Obtaininginformation 46.1 Ordertoconducttests 47 Repealed 48 Confidentialinformation 49 Exemptionfromliability 49.1 Officialscannotbecompelledtotestify 50 Medicalexaminationsandhealthsurveillance 51 Medicalandhospitalreports 52 Directormayrequirealternativework 53 Occupationalhealthservice
ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES
53.1 Administrativepenalties
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
54 Offences 55 Penalties 55.1 Additionalpenalties 56 Offencebycorporaterepresentative 57 Onus 58 Layingofinformation 59 Repealed
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 1
CHAPTER W210 THE WORKPLACE SAFETY
AND HEALTH ACT
HERMAJESTY,byandwiththeadviceandconsentoftheLegislativeAssemblyofManitoba,enactsasfollows:
DEFINITIONS
Definitions 1 InthisAct,unlessotherwisespecified,
“agency of the government”meansanyboard,commission,association,orotherbody,whetherincorporatedorunincorporated,allthemembersofwhich,orallthemembersoftheboardofmanagementorboarddirectorsofwhich,
(a) areappointedbyanActoftheLegislatureorbytheLieutenantGovernorinCouncil,or
(b) ifnotsoappointed,are,inthedischargeoftheirduties,publicofficersorservantsoftheCrown,or,fortheproperdischargeoftheirdutiesare,directlyorindirectly,responsibletotheCrown;(«organismegouvernemental»)
“Board” meansTheManitobaLabourBoardestablishedunderThe Labour Relations Act;(«Commission»)
“branch”meanstheWorkplaceSafetyandHealthBranch;(«Direction»)
“chief occupational medical officer”meansthepersondesignatedasChiefOccupationalMedicalOfficerunderthisAct;(«médecindutravailenchef»)
“chief prevention officer”meanstheChiefPreventionOfficerappointedundersection17.1;(«conseillerprincipalenprévention»)
“committee” meansaworkplacesafetyandhealthcommitteeestablishedundersection40;(«comité»)
“construction project”means
(a) theconstruction,demolition,repair,alterationorremovalofastructure,building,complex,street,road,highway,pipeline,sewagesystemorelectricaltelecommunicationortransmissionline,
(b) thediggingof,workinginorfillingatrenchorexcavation,
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act2
(c) theinstallation,modification,repairorremovalofanyequipmentormachinery,or
(d) anyworkprescribedbyregulationasaconstructionproject;(«projetdeconstruction»)
“construction project site” meansaworkplacewhereworkisperformedonaconstructionproject;(«chantierdeconstruction»)
“contractor”meansapersonwho,pursuanttooneormorecontracts,directstheactivitiesofoneormoreemployersorself-employedpersonsinvolvedinworkataworkplace;(«entrepreneur»)
“department”meanssuchdepartmentofthegovernmentofManitobaasmaybedesignatedbytheLieutenantGovernorinCouncilforthepurposeofthisAct;(«ministère»)
“director”meanstheDirectoroftheWorkplaceSafetyandHealthBranchappointedundersubsection14(4.1);(«directeur»)
“discriminatory action”meansanyactoromissionbyanemployeroranypersonactingundertheauthorityoftheemployeroranyunionwhichadverselyaffectsanytermorconditionofemployment,orofmembershipinaunion,andwithoutrestrictingthegeneralityoftheforegoingincludeslay-off,suspension,dismissal,lossofopportunityforpromotion,demotion,transferofduties,changeoflocationofworkplace,reductioninwages,orchangeinworkinghoursbutdoesnotincludethetemporaryrelocationofaworkertoothersimilarorequivalentworkwithoutlossofpayorbenefitsuntilaconditionthatthreatensthesafetyorhealthoftheworkerisremedied;(«mesurediscriminatoire»)
“employer”includes
(a) everypersonwho,byhimselforhisagentorrepresentativeemploysorengagesoneormoreworkers,and
(b) theCrownandeveryagencyofthegovernment;(«employeur»)
“health”meanstheconditionofbeingsoundinbody,mindandspirit,andshallbeinterpretedinaccordancewiththeobjectsandpurposesofthisAct;(«santé»)
“improvement order”meansanordermadeundersection26;(«ordred’amélioration»)
“minister”meansthememberoftheExecutiveCouncilchargedbytheLieutenantGovernorinCouncilwiththeadministrationofthisAct;(«ministre»)
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“occupational health nurse”practisingregisterednurseunderThe Regulated Health Professions Act;
“occupational health service”meansaserviceorganizedinornearaworkplaceforthepurposesof
(a) protectingworkersagainstanyhealthhazardthatmayariseoutoftheirworkortheconditionsunderwhichitiscarriedon,
(b) ensuringthephysicalandmentaladjustmentofworkersintheiremploymentandensuringtheirassignmenttojobsforwhichtheyaresuited,and
(c) contributingtotheestablishmentandmaintenanceofahighdegreeofphysicalandmentalwell-beingoftheworkers;(«serviced’hygiène»)
“owner”,inrelationtoanylandorpremisesusedortobeusedasaworkplace,includes
(a) atrustee,receiver,mortgageeinpossession,tenant,lessee,licenseeoroccupierofthelandorpremises,and
(b) apersonwhoactsfororonbehalfofanownerasanagentordelegate,
butdoesnotincludeapersonwhooccupiespremisesusedasaprivateresidence,unlessthatpersoncarriesonabusiness,professionortradeatthatresidence;(«propriétaire»)
“person” includesapartnershiporanunincorporatedassociation;(«personne»)
“physician”meansadulyqualifiedmedicalpractitioner;(«médecin»)
“prime contractor”meanstheprimecontractorforaconstructionprojectreferredtoinsection7;(«entrepreneurprincipal»)
“representative”meansaworkersafetyandhealthrepresentativedesignatedorappointedundersection41;(«délégué»)
“safety”meansthepreventionofphysicalinjurytoworkersandthepreventionofphysicalinjurytootherpersonsarisingoutoforinconnectionwithactivitiesintheworkplace;(«sécurité»)
“safety and health officer”meansapersondesignatedasasafetyandhealthofficerunderthisAct;(«agentdesécuritéetd’hygiène»)
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“stop work order”meansanordermadeundersection36;(«ordred’arrêtdutravail»)
“supervisor”meansapersonwhohaschargeofaworkplaceorauthorityoveraworker;(«surveillant»)
“supplier” meansapersonwhosupplies,sells,leases,installsorprovides
(a) anytool,equipment,machineordevice,or
(b) anybiologicalsubstanceorchemicalsubstance,
tobeusedinaworkplace;(«fournisseur»)
“union”meansaunionasdefinedunderThe Labour Relations Act;(«syndicat»)
“welfare”meanstheconditionsorfacilities,inornearaworkplace,providedforthefeeding,rest,hygieneorsanitaryrequirementsofaworker;(«bien-être»)
“worker”includes
(a) anypersonwhoisemployedbyanemployertoperformaservicewhetherforgainorreward,orhopeofgainorrewardornot,
(b) anypersonengagedbyanotherpersontoperformservices,whetherunderacontractofemploymentornot
(i) whoperformsworkorservicesforanotherpersonforcompensationorrewardonsuchtermsandconditionsthatheis,inrelationtothatperson,inapositionofeconomicdependenceuponthatpersonmorecloselyresemblingtherelationshipofanyemployeethanthatofanindependentcontractor,and
(ii) whoworksorperformsservicesinaworkplacewhichisownedoroperatedbythepersonwhoengageshimtoperformservices,
(c) anypersonundergoingtrainingorservinganapprenticeshipataneducationalinstitutionoratanyotherplace;(«travailleur»)
“worker safety and health representative”meansthepersondesignatedasaworkersafetyandhealthrepresentativeunderthisAct;(«déléguéàlasécuritéetàlasantédestravailleurs»)
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“workplace”meansanybuilding,site,workshop,structure,mine,mobilevehicle,oranyotherpremisesorlocationwhetherindoorsoroutdoorsinwhichoneormoreworkers,orself-employedpersons,areengagedinworkorhaveworked.(«lieudetravail»)
S.M.2002,c.33,s.3;S.M.2009,c.15,s.251;S.M.2013,c.9,s.2;S.M.2018,c.8,s.28.
PURPOSE OF THIS ACT
General objects and purposes2(1) TheobjectsandpurposesofthisActare
(a) tosecureworkersandself-employedpersonsfromriskstotheirsafety,healthandwelfarearisingoutof,orinconnectionwith,activitiesintheirworkplaces;and
(b) toprotectotherpersonsfromriskstotheirsafetyandhealtharisingoutof,orinconnectionwith,activitiesinworkplaces.
Specific objects and purposes2(2) Withoutlimitingthegeneralityofsubsection(1),theobjectsand
purposesofthisActinclude
(a) thepromotionandmaintenanceofthehighestdegreeofphysical,mentalandsocialwell-beingofworkers;
(b) thepreventionamongworkersofillhealthcausedbytheirworkingconditions;
(c) theprotectionofworkersintheiremploymentfromfactorspromotingillhealth;
(d) theplacingandmaintenanceofworkersinanoccupationalenvironmentadaptedtotheirphysiologicalandpsychologicalcondition;and
(e) thepromotionofworkers’rights
(i) toknowaboutsafetyandhealthhazardsintheirworkplaces,
(ii) toparticipateinsafetyandhealthactivitiesattheirworkplaces,
(iii) torefusedangerouswork,and
(iv) toworkwithoutbeingsubjecttodiscriminatoryaction.
S.M.2013,c.9,s.3.
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APPLICATION OF THIS ACT
Application of Act3 ThisActappliesto
(a) theCrowninrightofManitobaandeveryagencyofthegovernment;
(b) everyemployer,workerandself-employedpersonwhoseworkplacesafety,healthandwelfarestandardsareordinarilywithintheexclusivejurisdictionoftheLegislaturetoregulate;and
(c) theCrowninrightofCanada,everyagencyofthegovernmentofCanada,andeveryotherpersonwhoseworkplacesafety,healthandwelfarestandardsareordinarilywithinthejurisdictionoftheParliamentofCanada,totheextentthattheCrowninrightofCanadamaysubmittotheapplicationofthisAct.
DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS
General duties of employers4(1) Everyemployershallinaccordancewiththeobjectsandpurposesof
thisAct
(a) ensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thesafety,healthandwelfareatworkofallhisworkers;and
(b) complywiththisActandregulations.
Further duties of employer4(2) Withoutlimitingthegeneralityofanemployer’sdutyunder
subsection(1),everyemployershall
(a) provideandmaintainaworkplace,necessaryequipment,systemsandtoolsthataresafeandwithoutriskstohealth,sofarasisreasonablypracticable;
(b) providetoallhisworkerssuchinformation,instruction,training,supervisionandfacilitiestoensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thesafety,healthandwelfareatworkofallhisworkers;
(c) ensurethatallhisworkers,andparticularlyhissupervisors,foremen,chargehandsorsimilarpersons,areacquaintedwithanysafetyorhealthhazardswhichmaybeencounteredbytheworkersinthecourseoftheirservice,andthatworkersarefamiliarwiththeuseofalldevicesorequipmentprovidedfortheirprotection;
(d) conducthisundertakinginsuchawayastoensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thatpersonswhoarenotinhisservicearenotexposedtoriskstotheirsafetyorhealtharisingoutof,orinconnectionwithactivitiesinhisworkplace;
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(e) consultandco-operatewiththeworkplacesafetyandhealthcommitteewheresuchacommitteeexists,regardingthedutiesandmatterswithwhichthatcommitteeischargedunderthisAct;
(f) consultandco-operatewiththeworkersafetyandhealthrepresentativewheresucharepresentativehasbeendesignated,regardingthedutiesandmatterswithwhichthatrepresentativeischargedunderthisAct;
(g) co-operatewithanyotherpersonexercisingadutyimposedbythisAct,ortheregulations;
(h) ensurethatalloftheemployer’sworkersaresupervisedbyapersonwho
(i) iscompetent,becauseofknowledge,trainingorexperience,toensurethatworkisperformedinasafemanner,and
(ii) isfamiliarwiththisActandtheregulationsthatapplytotheworkperformedattheworkplace;
(i) iftheemployer’sworkersareworkingonaconstructionprojectthathasaprimecontractor,advisetheprimecontractorofthenameofthesupervisoroftheemployer’sworkersontheproject.
Employer as supervisor4(3) Forthepurposesofclause(2)(h),anemployermaysupervisehisor
herworkersifheorshesatisfiesthecriteriasetoutinthatclause.
Employer’s duty re training4(4) Withoutlimitingthegeneralityofclause(2)(b),everyemployershall
provideinformation,instructionandtrainingtoaworkertoensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thesafety,andhealthoftheworker,beforetheworker
(a) beginsperformingaworkactivityataworkplace;
(b) performsadifferentworkactivitythantheworkerwasoriginallytrainedtoperform;or
(c) ismovedtoanotherareaoftheworkplaceoradifferentworkplacethathasdifferentfacilities,proceduresorhazards.
Performing work activity during training4(5) Notwithstandingsubsection(4),aworkermayperformawork
activitywhilebeingtrainediftheworkerisunderthedirectionofasupervisororanotherpersonwhoisfullytrainedandhassufficientexperienceinperformingthatworkactivitytoensurethatthesafetyorhealthoftheworkerandanyotherpersonisnotatrisk.
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Wages and benefits during training4(6) Aworkerisentitledtothesamewagesandbenefitsforanytime
spentintrainingthatheorshewouldbeentitledtohadtheworkerbeenperforminghisorherregularworkdutiesduringthattime.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.7.
DUTIES OF SUPERVISORS
Duties of supervisors4.1 Everysupervisorshall
(a) sofarasisreasonablypracticable,
(i) takeallprecautionsnecessarytoprotectthesafetyandhealthofaworkerunderhisorhersupervision,
(ii) ensurethataworkerunderhisorhersupervisionworksinthemannerandinaccordancewiththeproceduresandmeasuresrequiredbythisActandtheregulations,and
(iii)ensurethataworkerunderhisorhersupervisionusesalldevicesandwearsallclothingandpersonalprotectiveequipmentdesignatedorprovidedbytheemployerorrequiredtobeusedorwornbythisActortheregulations;
(b) adviseaworkerunderhisorhersupervisionofallknownorreasonablyforeseeableriskstosafetyandhealthintheareawheretheworkerisperformingwork;
(c) co-operatewithanyotherpersonexercisingadutyimposedbythisActortheregulations;and
(d) complywiththisActandtheregulations.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.7.
DUTIES OF WORKERS
General duties of workers5 Everyworkerwhileatworkshall,inaccordancewiththeobjects
andpurposesofthisAct,
(a) takereasonablecaretoprotecthissafetyandhealthandthesafetyandhealthofotherpersonswhomaybeaffectedbyhisactsoromissionsatwork;
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(b) atalltimes,whenthenatureofhisworkrequires,usealldevicesandwearallarticlesofclothingandpersonalprotectiveequipmentdesignatedandprovidedforhisprotectionbyhisemployer,orrequiredtobeusedandwornbyhimbytheregulations;
(c) consultandco-operatewiththeworkplacesafetyandhealthcommittee,wheresuchacommitteeexists,regardingthedutiesandmatterswithwhichthatcommitteeischargedunderthisAct;
(d) consultandco-operatewiththeworkersafetyandhealthrepresentative,wheresucharepresentativehasbeendesignated,regardingthedutiesandmatterswithwhichthatrepresentativeischargedunderthisAct;
(e) complywiththisActandtheregulations;and
(f) co-operatewithanyotherpersonexercisingadutyimposedbythisActortheregulations.
DUTIES OF SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS
General duties of self-employed persons6 Everyself-employedpersonshall,inaccordancewiththeobjects
andpurposesofthisAct,
(a) conducthisundertakinginsuchawayastoensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thatheoranyotherpersonisnotexposedtoriskstohisorthatperson’ssafetyorhealth,arisingoutof,orinconnectionwith,activitiesinhisworkplace;
(a.1)whenheorsheisworkingonaconstructionprojectthathasaprimecontractor,advisetheprimecontractorthatheorsheisworkingontheproject;
(b) complywiththisActandtheregulations;and
(c) co-operatewithanyotherpersonexercisingadutyimposedbythisActortheregulations.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.10.
DUTIES OF PRIME CONTRACTORS
Requirement for prime contractor7(1) Thereshallbeaprimecontractorforaconstructionprojectifmore
thanoneemployerorself-employedpersonisinvolvedinworkattheconstructionprojectsiteatthesametime.
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Prime contractor for construction project7(2) Theprimecontractorforaconstructionprojectis
(a) thepersonwhoentersintoacontracttoserveastheprimecontractorwiththeowneroftheconstructionprojectsite;or
(b) ifthereisnocontractreferredtoinclause(a),orifthatcontractisnotineffect,theowneroftheconstructionprojectsite.
Duties of prime contractor7(3) Theprimecontractorforaconstructionprojectshall
(a) ensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thateverypersoninvolvedinworkontheprojectcomplieswiththisActandtheregulations;
(b) co-ordinate,organizeandoverseetheperformanceofallworkattheconstructionprojectsiteandconducthisorherownactivitiesinsuchawayastoensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thatnopersonisexposedtoriskstohisorhersafetyorhealtharisingoutof,orinconnectionwithactivitiesattheconstructionprojectsite;
(c) co-operatewithanyotherpersonexercisingadutyimposedbythisActortheregulations;and
(d) complywiththisActandtheregulations.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.11.
DUTIES OF CONTRACTORS
Duties of contractors7.1 Everycontractorshall
(a) ensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,
(i) thateveryworkplacewhereanemployer,employer’sworkerorself-employedpersonworkspursuanttoacontractwiththecontractor,and
(ii) thatevery workprocessorprocedureperformedataworkplacebyanemployer,employer’sworkerorselfemployedpersonpursuanttoacontractwiththecontractor,
thatisnotinthedirectandcompletecontrolofthatemployerorself-employedpersondoesnotcreatearisktothesafetyorhealthofanyperson;
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(b) ifthecontractorisinvolvedinworkonaconstructionprojectthathasaprimecontractor,advisetheprimecontractorofthenameofeveryemployerorself-employedpersonwithwhomthecontractorhascontractedtoperformworkontheproject;
(c) co-operatewithanyotherpersonexercisingadutyimposedbythisActortheregulations;and
(d) complywiththisActandtheregulations.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.12.
DUTIES OF OWNERS
Duties of owners7.2 Everyownerofaworkplaceshall
(a) ensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thatthelandorpremisesusedasaworkplacethatisunderhisorhercontrolisprovidedandmaintainedinamannerthatdoesnotcreatearisktothesafetyorhealthofanyperson;
(b) co-operatewithanyotherpersonexercisingadutyimposedbythisActortheregulations;and
(c) complywiththisActandtheregulations.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.12.
DUTIES OF SUPPLIERS
Duties of suppliers7.3 Everysuppliershall
(a) ensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thatanytool,equipment,machine,deviceorchemicalorbiologicalsubstanceprovidedbythesupplierforuseataworkplace
(i) issafewhenusedinaccordancewiththeinstructionsprovidedbythesupplier,and
(ii) conformswiththerequirementsofthisActandtheregulations;
(b) whenprescribedbyregulation,providewritteninstructionsandinformationprescribedbyregulationtoeveryemployer,self-employedperson,contractororprimecontractortowhomthesuppliersuppliesanytool,equipment,machine,deviceorchemicalorbiologicalsubstance;and
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(c) complywiththisActandtheregulations.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.12.
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM
Establishment of workplace safety and health program7.4(1) Anemployershallestablishawrittenworkplacesafetyandhealth
programforeachworkplacewhere20ormoreworkersofthatemployerareregularlyemployed.
Determining number of workers7.4(2) Forthepurposesofsubsection(1),thenumberofworkersemployed
ataworkplaceshallbedeterminedbyaveraging,overtheprevious12months,thenumberoffull-timeandpart-timeworkerspresenteachworkingday.
Program for multiple workplaces7.4(3) Notwithstandingsubsection(1),thedirectormayissueawritten
orderpermittinganemployertoestablishaworkplacesafetyandhealthprogramformorethanoneworkplaceorpartsofmorethanoneworkplace.
Considerations of director7.4(4) Indeterminingwhethertomakeanorderundersubsection(3),the
directorshalltakeintoaccount
(a) thenatureoftheworkperformedattheworkplace;
(b) anyrequestforanorderbyanemployer,workerorunionrepresentingworkersattheworkplace;and
(c) thefrequencyofinjuryorillnessintheworkplaceorintheindustryinquestion.
Content of program7.4(5) Aworkplacesafetyandhealthprogrammustinclude
(a) astatementoftheemployer’spolicywithrespecttotheprotectionofthesafetyandhealthofworkersattheworkplace;
(b) theidentificationofexistingandpotentialdangerstoworkersattheworkplaceandthemeasuresthatwillbetakentoreduce,eliminateorcontrolthosedangers,includingprocedurestobefollowedinanemergency;
(c) theidentificationofinternalandexternalresources,includingpersonnelandequipment,thatmayberequiredtorespondtoanemergencyattheworkplace;
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(d) astatementoftheresponsibilitiesoftheemployer,supervisorsandworkersattheworkplace;
(e) aschedulefortheregularinspectionoftheworkplaceandofworkprocessesandproceduresattheworkplace;
(f) aplanforthecontrolofanybiologicalorchemicalsubstanceused,produced,storedordisposedofattheworkplace;
(g) astatementoftheprocedurestobefollowedtoprotectsafetyandhealthintheworkplacewhenanotheremployerorself-employedpersonisinvolvedinworkattheworkplacethatincludes
(i) criteriaforevaluatingandselectingemployersandself-employedpersonstobeinvolvedinworkattheworkplace,and
(ii) proceduresforregularlymonitoringemployersandself-employedpersonsinvolvedinworkattheworkplace;
(h) aplanfortrainingworkersandsupervisorsinsafeworkpracticesandprocedures;
(i) aprocedureforinvestigatingaccidents,dangerousoccurrencesandrefusalstoworkundersection43;
(j) aprocedureforworkerparticipationinworkplacesafetyandhealthactivities,includinginspectionsandtheinvestigationofaccidents,dangerousoccurrencesandrefusalstoworkundersection43;
(k) aprocedureforreviewingandrevisingtheworkplacesafetyandhealthprogrameverythreeyearsormoreoftenifcircumstancesataworkplacechangeinawaythatposesarisktothesafetyorhealthofworkersattheworkplace;and
(l) anyotherrequirementprescribedbyregulation.
Requirement for consultation 7.4(6) Theemployershalldesigntheworkplacesafetyandhealthprogram
inconsultationwith
(a) thecommitteefortheworkplace;or
(b) ifthereisnocommittee,therepresentativefortheworkplace.
Program available on request7.4(7) Theemployershallmakeaworkplacesafetyandhealthprogram
availabletothefollowingpersonsonrequest:
(a) thecommittee;
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(b) ifthereisnocommittee,therepresentative;
(c) aworkerattheworkplace;
(d) asafetyandhealthofficer.
Co-ordination of programs by prime contractor7.4(8) Ifworkersfromtwoormoreemployersthathaveworkplace
safetyandhealthprogramsareworkingataconstructionprojectsitethathasaprimecontractor,theprimecontractorshallco-ordinatetheprogramsofthoseemployers.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.12;S.M.2013,c.9,s.4.
DUTY TO PROVIDE REQUIRED INFORMATION
Definition: “required information”7.5(1) Inthissection,“required information”meansanyinformation
(a) thatmayaffectthesafetyandhealthofapersonataworkplace;
(b) thatisnecessarytoidentifyandcontrolanyexistingorpotentialhazardswithrespecttoaworkplaceoranyprocess,procedureorbiologicalorchemicalsubstanceusedataworkplace;or
(c) prescribedbyregulationasrequiredinformation.
Required information by prime contractor7.5(2) Everyprimecontractorforaconstructionprojectshallprovide,
sofarasisreasonablypracticable,allrequiredinformationthatheorsheknowsormayreasonablybeexpectedtoknowto
(a) theowneroftheconstructionprojectsite;and
(b) everycontractor,employerandself-employedpersonwhoisinvolvedinworkontheproject.
Required information by contractor7.5(3) Everycontractorshallprovide,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,
allrequiredinformationthatheorsheknowsormayreasonablybeexpectedtoknowto
(a) everyownerofaworkplacewithwhomthecontractorhasacontract;
(b) everyemployerandself-employedpersonataworkplacewithwhomthecontractorhasacontract;and
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(c) theprimecontractorforaconstructionproject,ifthecontractorisinvolvedinworkonaconstructionprojectforwhichthereisaprimecontractor.
Required information by owner7.5(4) Everyownerofaworkplaceshallprovide,sofarasisreasonably
practicable,allrequiredinformationthatheorsheknowsormayreasonablybeexpectedtoknowto
(a) everyemployerwhoemploysworkersattheworkplace;and
(b) everyself-employedpersonwhoworksattheworkplace.
Required information by owner of construction project7.5(5) Despitesubsection(4),ifaworkplaceisaconstructionprojectsite
whereworkisperformedonaconstructionprojectthatisrequiredtohaveaprimecontractor,anownerofthatworkplaceshallprovide,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,allrequiredinformationthatheorsheknowsormayreasonablybeexpectedtoknowonlytotheprimecontractor.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.12.
PERSONS WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS
Definition: “function”7.6(1) Inthissection,“function”meansthefunctionofemployer,supervisor,
worker,self-employedperson,primecontractor,contractor,ownerorsupplierunderthisActandtheregulations.
Multiple functions7.6(2) IfapersonhastwoormorefunctionsunderthisActinrespectofone
workplace,thatpersonshallsatisfythedutiesimposedbythisActandtheregulationsforeachfunction.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.12.
Responsibility if duties apply to more than one person7.7 If
(a) oneormoreprovisionsinthisActortheregulationsimposesthesamedutyonmorethanoneperson;and
(b) oneofthepersonssubjecttothatdutycomplieswiththeapplicableprovision;
theotherpersonssubjecttothatdutyarerelievedoftheirdutyonlyduringthetimewhen
(c) simultaneouscomplianceofthatdutybymorethanonepersonwouldresultinunnecessaryduplicationofeffortandexpense;and
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act16
(d) thesafetyandhealthofanypersonattheworkplaceisnotputatriskbycompliancewiththatdutybyonlyoneperson.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.12.
RELATIONSHIP OF THIS ACT TOTHE WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT
Effect on compensation8 ThefailuretocomplywithanyprovisionofthisActor
theregulationsdoesnotaffecttherightofaworkertocompensationunderThe Workers Compensation Act.
Effect on liabilities
9 TheliabilitiesandobligationsofanypersonunderThe Workers Compensation Actarenotdecreased,reduced,orremoved,byreasononlyofhiscompliancewiththeprovisionsofthisActortheregulations.
10 Renumberedassubsection14(4).
11(1) [Repealed]S.M.1991-92,c.36,s.65.
11(2) Renumberedassubsection14(5).
S.M.1991-92,c.36,s.65.
DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE DIRECTOR
Duties of director12 Thedirectorshall,inaccordancewiththeobjectsandpurposes
ofthisAct,
(a) beconcernedwithworkplacesafetyandhealthgenerally,andwiththemaintenanceofreasonablestandardsfortheprotectionofthesafetyandhealthofworkersandself-employedpersonsinManitoba;
(b) beresponsiblefortheadministrationofthisActandtheregulations;
(c) submitfromtimetotimetotheministersuchrecommendationsasheconsidersappropriateforthemakingofregulations;
(d) ensurethatpersonsandorganizationsconcernedwiththepurposesofthisActareprovidedwithinformationandadvicepertainingtoitsadministrationandtotheprotectionofthesafetyandhealthofworkersgenerally;
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 17
(e) prepareandmaintainorcausetobepreparedandmaintainedillness,deathandaccidentstatisticsrelatingtoworkersandself-employedpersons,anddosoeitheraloneorinconjunctionwithTheWorkersCompensationBoard,theDepartmentofHealth,HealthyLivingandSeniors,oranyotherdepartment,agencyorcommission;and
(f) dosuchotherthingsinconnectionwithsafetyandhealthintheworkplaceastheministermaydirect,forthepurposesofcarryingouttheprovisionsofthisActandtheregulationsandtheprovisionsofanyotherActorregulationsassignedtotheministerforadministration.
S.M.2013,c.9,s.5;S.M.2014,c.32,s.38.
Powers of director
13 Thedirectormay,inaccordancewiththeobjectsandpurposesofthisAct,
(a) provideassistancetopersonsconcernedwithsafetyandhealthintheworkplace,andprovideservicestoassistworkplacesafetyandhealthcommittees,employersandworkersinmaintainingreasonablestandardsfortheprotectionofthesafetyandhealthofworkers;
(b) carryoutstudiesandresearch,orcausestudiesandresearchtobecarriedout,andmakearrangementsforthepublicationofresultsofresearch,inmattersrelatingtothesafetyandhealthofworkers;
(c) encourage,developandconduct,eitheraloneorinco-operationwithorganizationsconcernedwiththepurposesofthisAct,educationandinformationprogramsforpromotingthesafetyandhealthofworkersandforimprovingthequalificationsofpersonsconcernedwithworkplacesafetyandhealth;
(d) makerecommendationstotheministerregardinggrantsofmoneysforanyofthepurposesreferredtointhissection;
(d.1)makerecommendationstotheministerregardingworkplacesafetyandhealthandthepreventionofworkplaceinjuryandillness;
(d.2)coordinateexaminationsandinvestigations
(i) fordeterminingthecauseandparticularsofanyaccidentorillhealthoccurringtoaworker,orself-employedperson,andarisingoutoforinconnectionwithactivitiesintheworkplace,or
(ii) forthepreventionofaccidentsorillhealtharisingoutoforinconnectionwithactivitiesintheworkplace;and
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act18
(e) performsuchotherfunctionsastheministermaydirectfortheproperadministrationofthisActandtheregulations.
S.M.2013,c.9,s.6.
Public reporting of orders and penalties13.1 Thedirectormayissuepublicreportsdisclosingdetailsof
improvementorders,stopworkordersandadministrativepenaltiesmadeorimposedunderthisAct.ThereportsmaydisclosepersonalinformationasdefinedinThe Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
S.M.2013,c.9,s.7.
DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE MINISTER
Powers of minister14(1) Theministermay,inaccordancewiththeobjectsandpurposesofthis
Act,
(a) authorizethedirectororanyotherpersontoinvestigateandmakeaspecialreporttohimonanyaccident,occurrence,oranymatterofsafetyandhealthintheworkplace;
(b) appointthedirectororanyotherpersontoconductapublicinquiryintoanymatterofsafetyorhealthintheworkplace,andthedirectororthepersonsoappointed,forthepurposeofaninquiry,hasallthepowersofacommissionerunderPartVofThe Manitoba Evidence Act;
(c) appointconsultantsandadvisorswhoareprofessionallyortechnicallyqualifiedtoadvisehiminthemakingofregulations,ortoadvisehimontheadministrationofthisActorregulations;
(d) [repealed]S.M.2018,c.8,s.28;
(e) approve,withorwithoutmodifications,anyrecommendationsubmittedtotheministerbythechiefpreventionofficer;
(f) dosuchotherthingsashedeemsnecessaryforthepropercarryingoutofthisAct.
Remuneration and expenses14(2) SubjecttotheapprovaloftheLieutenantGovernorinCouncil,
consultantsoradvisorsmaybepaidsuchremunerationandout-of-pocketexpensesasmaybeauthorizedbytheminister.
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Payment of certain costs14(3) Theministermayauthorizethepaymentofcertaincosts
(a) forinvestigativeandconsultativeservices;and
(b) formedicalexaminationsandreportsmadeunderthisAct,thecostsofwhicharenotpayablefrompublicfunds;
thatmaybecarriedoutorrenderedforthepurposesofthisAct.
Administration of Act14(4) ThisActistobeadministeredthroughtheWorkplaceSafetyand
HealthBranchofthedepartment.
Minister to appoint director14(4.1) Theministermustappointaperson,inaccordancewithThe Civil
Service Act,astheDirectoroftheWorkplaceSafetyandHealthBranch.
Consolidated Fund14(5) Toassistindefrayingtheexpensesincurredintheadministration
ofthisActmoneysmaybepaidfromtheConsolidatedFund,ifauthorizedbyanActoftheLegislaturetobesopaidandapplied.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.14and15;S.M.2013,c.9,s.8;S.M.2018,c.8,s.28.
Review14.1 Atleastonceeveryfiveyears,theministermustundertakeareview
ofthisActthatincludesconsultationswithrepresentativesofemployersandworkers.
S.M.2018,c.8,s.28.15 [Repealed]
S.M.2015,c.43,s.66;S.M.2018,c.8,s.28.16 [Repealed]
S.M.2002,c.33,s.19;S.M.2018,c.8,s.28.
CHIEF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL OFFICER
Chief occupational medical officer17(1) Theministershallappointaschiefoccupationalmedicalofficerfor
thepurposeofthisAct,apersonwhoisadulyqualifiedmedicalpractitionerandwhohastrainingandexperienceinoccupationalmedicine.
Powers of chief occupational medical officer17(2) Thechiefoccupationalmedicalofficerhasallthepowersofa
workplacesafetyandhealthofficerassetoutinthisAct,andsuchotherpowersasmaybeconferreduponhimbytheministerortheregulations.
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Authorization for occupational health nurse17(3) Thechiefoccupationalmedicalofficermayprovidewrittenauthority
toapersonwhoisanoccupationalhealthnursetoenteraworkplaceforthepurposeofenforcingprovisionsofthisAct,andapersonsoauthorizedshallhavesuchdutiesandpowersasareprescribedforthepersonbythechiefoccupationalmedicalofficer,butthedutiesandpowersprescribedshallnotincludeanydutiesandpowersthatarenotprescribedforapersonwhoisappointedasasafetyandhealthofficerunderthisAct.
CHIEF PREVENTION OFFICER
Chief prevention officer17.1(1) TheministermustappointapersonastheChiefPreventionOfficer.
Term of appointment17.1(2) Thechiefpreventionofficermaybeappointedforatermnot
exceedingfiveyearsandmaybeappointedforsuccessivetermsnotexceedingfiveyears.
Responsibilities17.1(3) Thechiefpreventionofficerhasthefollowingresponsibilities:
(a) toprovideadvicetotheminister
(i) onthepreventionofworkplaceinjuryandillness,and
(ii) onanyothermatter,asrequestedbytheminister;
(b) todeveloprecommendations,attheminister’srequest,respectingthepreventionofworkplaceinjuryandillness;
(c) toprovideanannualreporttotheministerrespectingthepreventionofworkplaceinjuryandillnessthatincludes
(i) ananalysisofseriousincidentsatworkplaces,includinginjurydata,inordertoidentifycurrentandemergingissuesandtrendsrespectingworkplaceinjuryandillness,
(ii) informationontheprogressbeingmadeinimplementinggovernmentmeasurestopreventworkplaceinjuryandillness,and
(iii)ananalysisoftheeffectivenessofpreventionactivitiesundertakenduringtheyear;
(d) todoanyotherthinginconnectionwiththepreventionofinjuryandillnessintheworkplace,asrequestedbytheminister.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 21
Annual report by chief prevention officer17.1(4) Theministermustmakethechiefpreventionofficer’sannual
reportavailabletothepublicbypostingitonthedepartment’swebsiteandbyanyothermeanstheministerconsidersadvisable.
Workplace injury and illness prevention recommendations17.1(5) Thechiefpreventionofficer’srecommendationsrespectingthe
preventionofworkplaceinjuryandillnessmustinclude
(a) astatementofthegoalsforpreventinginjuryandillnessintheworkplace;
(b) keyperformanceindicatorsformeasuringtheachievementofthegoals;and
(c) anyothermatterspecifiedbytheminister.
Consultation17.1(6) Inpreparingtherecommendations,thechiefpreventionofficer
mustconsultwith
(a) organizationsrepresentingworkers;
(b) organizationsrepresentingemployers;
(c) technicalandprofessionalbodieswhosemembersareconcernedwiththegeneralpurposesofthisAct;
(d) otherdepartmentsofthegovernmentandagenciesofthegovernment;and
(e) anyotherpersonsororganizationsthattheministerconsidersadvisable.
S.M.2013,c.9,s.9.
REGULATIONS, CODES AND STANDARDS
Regulations18(1) TheLieutenantGovernorinCouncilmaymakeregulations
(a) respectingstandardsandpracticestobeestablishedandmaintainedbyemployers,supervisors,self-employedpersons,primecontractors,contractors,ownersandsupplierstoprotectthesafetyandhealthofanypersonataworkplace;
(b) respectingprocedures,measuresandprecautionsthatarerequired,orprohibited,whenperforminganyworkactivity;
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act22
(c) imposingrequirementsrespectingconditionsatworkplaces,includingsuchmattersasthestructuralconditionandstabilityofpremises,availableexitsfrompremises,cleanliness,temperature,lighting,ventilation,overcrowding,noise,vibrations,ionizingandotherradiations,dustandfumes;
(c.1) respectingtheprohibitionofsmokingande-cigaretteuseatworkplaces,includingdeemingacontraventionofThe Smoking and Vapour Products Control ActrelatingtoworkplacestobeacontraventionofthisActforthepurposeofissuinganimprovementorderundersection26;
(d) prescribingminimumstandardsofwelfarefacilitiesatworkplaces,includingthesupplyofwater,sanitaryconveniencesandfacilitiesforwashing,bathing,changing,storingpersonalproperty,breaksandrefreshment;
(e) regulatingorprohibitingthemanufacture,supply,oruseofanyplant,tool,equipment,machineordevice;
(f) respectingthedesign,construction,guarding,siting,installation,commissioning,examination,repair,maintenance,alteration,adjustment,dismantling,testing,inspection,use,orapprovalpriortoinstallationoruse,ofanyplant,tool,equipment,machineordevice;
(g) prescribingrequirementswithrespecttothemarkingofanyplant,tool,equipment,machineordeviceusedormanufacturedinanyworkplace,andregulatingorrestrictingtheuseofspecifiedmarkings;
(h) regulatingorprohibitingthemanufacture,supply,keeping,handlingoruseofanysubstanceormaterialthatmayadverselyaffectthesafetyorhealthofanypersonataworkplace;
(i) respectingthetesting,labellingandexaminationofanysubstanceormaterialthatmayaffectthesafetyorhealthofanypersonataworkplace;
(j) respectingtheprevention,studyandtreatmentofindustrialdiseases,includingarrangementsformedicalexaminationsandhealthsurveillanceofpersonsinvolvedinworkataworkplace;
(k) respectingthemonitoringofatmosphericandotherconditionsinworkplaces;
(l) respectingtheinstruction,trainingandsupervisionofworkers;
(m) respectingtheprovisionbyemployers,andtheusebyworkers,ofprotectiveclothingordevices,includingclothingaffordingprotectionagainsttheweather;
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 23
(n) prohibitingtheperformanceofspecifiedfunctionsbyanypersonwhodoesnotpossessspecifiedqualificationsorexperience;
(o) respectinglicences,certificatesordesignationsrequiredbypersonsperformingspecifiedfunctionsataworkplace,andthefeesandconditionsrequiredtoobtainalicence,certificateordesignation;
(p) requiringapersontoobtainapermittocarryonaspecifiedactivityaffectingthesafetyorhealthofanypersonataworkplace,includingthetermsandconditionsandthefeeforthepermit;
(q) respectingthesuspensionorcancellationofanylicence,certificateorpermitissuedunderthisAct;
(r) respectingthepreparation,maintenanceandsubmissionofrecordsandreportsdealingwithaccidents,industrialdiseasesandworkplacesafetyandhealthstandards;
(s) restricting,prohibitingorrequiringanyactivityifanaccidentoranyotherspecifieddangerousoccurrencehasoccurred,ormayoccur;
(t) respectingcommittees,includingbutnotlimitedto
(i) theoperationofcommittees,
(ii) thefrequencyofmeetingsofcommittees,includingmorefrequentmeetingsforspecifiedclassesofworkplaces,
(iii) theparticipationofcommitteesmembersininspections,investigationsandotherrelatedmatters,and
(iv) thesubmissionofcommitteerecordstothedirector;
(u) respectingrepresentatives,includingbutnotlimitedto
(i) theparticipationofrepresentativesininspections,investigationsandotherrelatedmatters,and
(ii) thesubmissionofrepresentatives’recordstothedirector;
(v) respectingworkplacesafetyandhealthprograms;
(w) prescribingthepersonstowhom,circumstancesinwhich,andmethodsbywhichspecifiedinformationconcerningsafetyandhealthshallbecommunicated;
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act24
(x) prescribingthefeespayableforexaminationsrequiredunderthisAct;
(y) respectingarrangementsforambulanceserviceandfirst-aidtreatmentatworkplaces;
(z) respectingtheemploymentortheprovisionofalternateemploymentto
(i) apregnantornursingworker,and
(ii) aworkerwhosesafetyorhealthisputatriskbyexposuretoachemicalorbiologicalsubstance;
(aa) respectingtheestablishmentofpoliciesandproceduresinworkplacesorclassesofworkplacestopreventandrespondtopotentiallyviolentsituations;
(bb) respectingmeasuresthatemployersshalltaketopreventharassmentintheworkplace;
(bb.1)forthepurposeofsection21,respectingthecriteriatobeusedandtheprocedurestobefollowedwhendeterminingwhethertomakeanorder,ortoreconsideranorder,exemptingapersonorclassofpersonsfromanyprovisionofaregulation;
(bb.2)forthepurposeofsection40,
(i) respectingtheprocedurestobefollowedindeterminingwhethertoissueanorder,ortoreconsideranorder,undersubsection40(6)or(7.1),and
(ii) respectinganyadditionalcriteriatobeconsideredbythedirectorundersubsection40(7);
(cc) forthepurposeofsection53.1,
(i) specifyingtheformandcontentofnoticesofadministrativepenalties,
(i.1)prescribingprovisionsofthisActortheregulationsforthepurposesofsubclauses53.1(1)(a)(ii)and(2)(a)(ii),
(ii) respectingthedeterminationofamountsofadministrativepenalties,whichmayvaryaccordingtothenumberofworkersaffectedby,orthenatureorfrequencyof,thematterthatgaverisetotheissuanceofthenoticeofadministrativepenalty,and
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 25
(iii) respectinganyothermatternecessaryfortheadministrationofasystemofadministrativepenaltiesprovidedforunderthisAct;
(dd) definingthemeaningofanywordorphraseusedbutnotdefinedinthisAct;
(ee) respectinganymatterrequiredorauthorizedbythisActtobeprescribedordealtwithbyregulation;
(ff) respectinganymatterthattheLieutenantGovernorinCouncilconsidersnecessaryoradvisabletocarryoutthepurposesofthisAct.
Application of regulations18(2) Aregulationmadeundersubsection(1)maybemadeapplicable
generallytoallworkplaces,orparticularlytooneormoreworkplaces,ortosuchclassesthereofasmaybespecifiedtherein.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.22;S.M.2004,c.17,s.10;S.M.2013,c.9,s.10;S.M.2015,c.36,s.20;S.M.2018,c.18,s.14.
Approval of codes of practice19(1) Forthepurposeofprovidingpracticalguidancewithrespectto
therequirementsofanyprovisionoftheregulations,thedirectormayapproveandissuesuchcodesofpracticeoranyamendmentorrevisionthereofasinhisopinionaresuitableforthatpurpose.
Notice in Gazette19(2) Whereacodeofpracticeisapprovedbythedirectorunder
subsection(1),heshallcausetobepublishedintheManitobaGazetteanoticeidentifyingthecode,specifyingtheprovisionsoftheregulationstowhichitappliesandstatingtheeffectivedateoftheapproval.
Failure to observe code, no offence20(1) Thefailurebyanypersontoobserveanyprovisionofanapproved
codeofpracticeisnotofitselfanoffence.
Admissibility of codes as evidence20(2) Whereapersonischargedwithabreachofanyprovisionofthe
regulationsinrespectofwhichthedirectorhasissuedacodeofpractice,thatcodeisadmissibleasevidenceinaprosecutionfortheviolationoftheprovisionoftheregulation.
Certified copy of code required20(3) Acopyofacodeofpractice,oranyamendmentorrevisionthereto
asapprovedbythedirector,certifiedtobeatruecopybythedirectorshallbereceivedasevidenceinanycourtwithoutproofofthesignatureoroftheofficialcharacterofthepersonpurportingtohavesignedthecertificate.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act26
Onus20(4) Whereacodeofpracticeisadmittedasevidenceunder
subsection(2),andaprimafaciecaseofnon-compliancewiththecodeofpracticeisestablished,theonusisontheaccusedtoprovethathehascompliedwiththeregulation.
Exemption from regulation21(1) Afterconsultingwithanypartiesheorsheconsidersappropriate,
thedirectormay,inaccordancewiththeregulations,makeawrittenorderexemptingapersonorclassofpersonsfromanyprovisionofaregulationtomeetthespecialcircumstancesinaparticularcase.
Considerations on exemptions21(2) Thedirectormaymakeanorderundersubsection(1)onlyifheor
sheissatisfiedthatnoworker’shealthorsafetyismateriallyaffectedbytheexemptionandanycriteriasetoutintheregulationsaremet.
Terms and conditions of order21(3) Thedirectormayimposeanytermsorconditionsinconnectionwith
theorderthatthedirectorconsidersnecessarytomaintainthesafetyorhealthofaworker.
Reconsideration of exemption order21(4) If,aftermakinganorderunderthissection,additionalinformation
comestotheattentionofthedirector,thedirectormay,inaccordancewiththeregulations,reconsidertheorderand
(a) confirmtheorder;or
(b) vary,suspendorrevoketheorderifthedirectorbelievesthat
(i) heorshewouldhavecometoadifferentdecisioniftheinformationhadbeenknownwhentheorderwasmade,or
(ii) aworker’ssafetyorhealthismateriallyaffectedbytheorder.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.23;S.M.2013,c.9,s.11.
SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICERS
Appointment of safety and health officers22(1) Theministermayappointpersonsassafetyandhealthofficersfor
thepurposeofenforcingthisActandtheregulations.
Agreements with other provinces22(2) Theministermayenterintoanagreementwithanyprovince
authorizingapersonemployedbythatprovincetoactasasafetyandhealthofficerforthepurposeofthisAct.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 27
Inspections for other jurisdictions22(3) Theministermayconsenttohaveasafetyandhealthofficercarry
outsafetyandhealthinspectionsorotherworkonbehalfofanotherprovinceortheGovernmentofCanadauponsuchtermsandconditionsashedeemsadvisable.
Credentials to be provided to safety and health officer22(4) Theministershallprovideeachsafetyandhealthofficerwith
writtencredentialsofhisappointmentwhichtheofficershallproduceuponrequestwhenexercisingorseekingtoexerciseanyofthepowersconferredonhimunderthisAct.
Duties of safety and health officers23 Asafetyandhealthofficershall
(a) makesuchinspectionsandinquiries,andcarryoutsuchtests,ashedeemsnecessarytoascertainwhethercomplianceisbeingmadewiththeprovisionsofthisActandtheregulations;and
(b) carryoutsuchotherdutiesasmaybeassignedtosafetyandhealthofficersunderthisActortheregulations.
Powers of safety and health officers24(1) ForthepurposeofenforcingthisActandtheregulations,asafety
andhealthofficermay,atanyreasonabletime,orwhereinhisopinionasituationexiststhatisormaybedangerousatanytime
(a) withoutawarrantandwithoutpriornotificationenteranyplaceorpremisesinwhichhehasreasontobelieveworkersorself-employedpersonsareworkingorwereworking,otherthanpremisesusedforpersonalresidentialpurposes;
(b) undertheauthorityofanordermadeundersubsection(2),enteranypremisesusedforpersonalresidentialpurposesinwhichhehasreasontobelieveworkersorself-employedpersonsareworkingorwereworking;
(c) takewithhimanyotherperson,andsuchequipmentandmaterials,asheneedstoassisthim;andarrangewiththeemployer,orpersoninchargeoftheplaceorpremises,forthatotherpersontore-enteralonetoperformspecifiedduties;
(d) makesuchexaminationsandinvestigationsashedeemsnecessaryfordeterminingthecauseandparticularsofanyaccidentorillhealthoccurringtoaworker,orself-employedperson,andarisingoutoforinconnectionwithactivitiesintheworkplace,orforthepreventionofaccidentsorillhealtharisingoutoforinconnectionwithactivitiesintheworkplace;
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act28
(e) takesuchmeasurementsandphotographs,makesuchtestsandrecordings,andtakesuchsamplesofarticlesorsubstancesfoundintheplaceorpremises,oroftheatmosphereinorneartheplaceorpremisesashedeemsnecessary;
(f) testorcausetobetestedanyequipmentintheplaceorpremises,orforthepurposesoftesting,requiretheequipmenttoberemovedtoaplacedesignatedbythedirector;
(f.1) requiretheemployerorapersondesignatedbytheemployertodemonstratetheuseofanymachinery,equipment,applianceorthingataworkplace;
(g) causeanyarticle,substanceorsampletakenpursuanttoclause(e),tobedismantledorsubjectedtoanyprocessortestbutnotinsuchmannerastodamageordestroyitunlessunderthecircumstancesdamagetheretoisunavoidableornecessary;
(h) inthecaseofanyarticle,substanceorequipmentmentionedinclauses(e)and(g),totakepossessionthereofanddetainitforsolongasisnecessaryforuseasevidenceinanyproceedingsorprosecutionunderthisAct;
(i) requireanydocuments,books,orrecordsthatrelateinanywaytothesafetyandhealthinworkplacesofworkers,orself-employedpersons,tobeproducedforinspectionandtomakecopiesthereofortakeextractstherefrom;
(j) requireanypersontoprovidehimwithfacilitiesorassistancewithrespecttoanymattersorthingswithinthatperson’scontrol,orinrelationtowhichthatpersonhasresponsibilities;
(k) inconductinganyinspection,inquiry,investigation,orexaminationunderthissection,orundersection23requireanyperson,whomtheofficerhasreasonablecausetobelievetopossessanyinformationrespectingtheconditionsofworkplacesafety,healthandwelfare,toattendaninterviewandtoprovidefullandcorrectanswers,eitherorallyorinwriting,tosuchquestionsastheofficerthinksfittoask;andtheinterviewshalltakeplaceintheabsenceofpersonsotherthanapersonnominatedbythepersonbeinginterviewedtobepresent,andanyotherpersonwhomtheofficermayallowtobepresent;
(l) directthatanyworkplace,orpartthereof,oranythingtherein,beleftundisturbedforsuchtimeasisreasonablynecessaryforanyofthepurposesspecifiedinclauses(d),(e)and(g);
(m) dosuchotherthingsasmaybeauthorizedbytheminister.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 29
Order for entry into residential premises24(2) AsafetyandhealthofficermayapplytoajudgeoftheCourtof
Queen’sBenchforanorderrequiringthepersoninpossessionofanyresidentialpremisesinwhichthesafetyandhealthofficerhasreasontobelieveworkersorself-employedworkersareworkingorwereworkingtopermitthesafetyandhealthofficertoentertheresidentialpremisesforthepurposesofinspectingthemand,ifthejudgeissatisfiedthatitisreasonableandnecessaryfortheadministrationoftheActtograntsuchanorder,hemaygranttheorder.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.25.
Power of commissioner under Evidence Act25 Asafetyandhealthofficer,forthepurposeofconductingan
inspection,inquiryorinvestigationunderthisActortheregulations,hasallthepowersofacommissionerunderPartVofThe Manitoba Evidence Act.
IMPROVEMENT ORDERS
Improvement orders26(1) Whereasafetyandhealthofficerisoftheopinionthataperson
(a) iscontraveninganyprovisionofthisActortheregulations;or
(b) hascontravenedanyprovisionofthisActortheregulationsincircumstanceswhichmakeitlikelythatthecontraventionwillcontinueorberepeated;
theofficermaymakeanimprovementorderagainstthatperson,requiringthatpersontoremedythecontraventionwithinsuchperiodasmaybespecifiedintheorderandstatingthereasonsformakingtheorderandrequiringthepersontomaintaincompliancewiththeimprovementorder.
Stop work warning26(2) Wheretheofficerbelievesthatthecontraventionreferredtoin
clause(1)(a)or(b),involvesorislikelytoinvolveaseriousrisktothesafetyorhealthofanypersoninorabouttheworkplace,hemay,intheimprovementorderspecifythatifthecontraventionisnotremediedwithintheperiodmentionedtherein,astopworkordermaybeissuedinaccordancewithsection36.
S.M.2013,c.9,s.12.27 to 31 [Repealed]
S.M.2002,c.33,s.27.32 Renumberedassection36.3.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act30
Remedial measures33 Animprovementordermay,butneednot,includedirectionsasto
themeasurestobetakentoremedyanycontraventionormattertowhichtheorderrelates,andthosedirections
(a) maybemadebyreferencetoanyapprovedcodeofpractice;and
(b) maysetoutdifferentwaysofremedyingthecontraventionormatter.
Period for compliance with improvement orders34 Whereanimprovementorderprovidesaperiodforcompliance
therewith
(a) theperiodshallbeginatthetimetheorderiscommunicatedtothepersonagainstwhomitismade;
(b) theordermaybewithdrawnbythesafetyandhealthofficeratanytimebeforetheendofthespecifiedperiod;or
(c) theperiodmaybeextendedbythesafetyandhealthofficer,unlessanappealagainsttheorderismadeandnotfinallydisposedof.
Reporting compliance with improvement orders35(1) Thepersonagainstwhomanimprovementorderismadeshall
(a) withinsevendaysaftertheexpiryoftheperiodspecifiedintheorderoranyextensionthereofprepareawrittenreportonthemeasurestakentoremedythecontraventionandonanymeasuresyettobetaken;
(b) sendacopyofthereporttotheworkplacesafetyandhealthofficerwhomadetheorder;
(c) provideacopyofthereporttotheworkplacesafetyandhealthcommitteefortheworkplacewithrespecttowhichtheorderwasmadeortotheworkersafetyandhealthrepresentative,ifnosafetyandhealthcommitteeexists;and
(d) postinaprominentplaceatorneartheworkplaceacopyofthereportifthereisnosafetyandhealthcommitteeoraworkersafetyandhealthrepresentativefortheworkplace.
Achieving compliance with improvement orders35(2) Despitethesubmissionofareportundersubsection(1),thereport
isnotdeterminativeofwhetherornottheimprovementorderhasbeencompliedwith.Thepersonagainstwhomanimprovementorderismadeonlyachievescompliancewiththeorderwhenanofficerdeterminesthatcompliancehasbeenachieved.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.29;S.M.2013,c.9,s.13.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 31
STOP WORK ORDERS
Stop work order36(1) Whereasafetyandhealthofficerisoftheopinionthatactivities
thatinvolve,orarelikelytoinvolve,animminentriskofseriousphysicalorhealthinjuryarebeingcarriedon,orareabouttobecarriedon,inaworkplace,orwhereacontraventionspecifiedinanimprovementorderwasnotremediedandawarningwasgiveninaccordancewithsubsection26(2),theofficermaymakeastopworkorderprovidingforanyoneormoreofthefollowingmatters:
(a) thecessationofthoseactivities;
(b) thatallorpartoftheworkplacebevacated;
(c) thatnoresumptionofthoseactivitiesbepermittedbytheemployer.
Stop work order — multiple workplaces36(1.1) Whereasafetyandhealthofficerisoftheopinionthatactivities
thatinvolve,orarelikelytoinvolve,animminentriskofseriousphysicalorhealthinjuryarebeingcarriedon,orareabouttobecarriedon,byworkersofthesameemployeratmorethanoneworkplace,theofficermaymakeastopworkorderprovidingforanyoneormoreofthefollowingmatters:
(a) thecessationofthoseactivities;
(b) thatallorpartofanyoftheemployer’sworkplacesbevacated;
(c) thatnoresumptionofthoseactivitiesbepermittedbytheemployeratanyoftheemployer’sworkplaces.
Improvement work not affected36(2) Astopworkorderdoesnotpreventthedoingofanyworkorthing
thatmaybenecessaryinordertoremovetheriskofinjuryreferredtoinsubsection(1)or(1.1).
36(3) [Repealed]S.M.2002,c.33,s.31.
Duration of stop work order36(4) Astopworkorderremainsineffectuntilitis
(a) withdrawnordiscontinuedbythesafetyandhealthofficerwhoissuedit;or
(b) setasideorvariedbythedirectorortheBoardundersubsection37(4)or39(5).
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Duration of varied order36(5) WhenthedirectorortheBoardvariesastopworkorder,thevaried
orderremainsineffectuntilasafetyandhealthofficerwithdrawsordiscontinuesit.
Workers must be paid36(6) Whileastopworkorderisineffect,
(a) anyworkerwhoisdirectlyaffectedbytheorderisentitledtothesamewagesandbenefitsthatheorshewouldhavereceivedhadthestopworkordernotbeenissued;and
(b) theemployermayre-assigntheworkertoalternatework.
If alternate work not available36(7) Iftheemployerprovidessatisfactoryevidencetothedirectorthat
alternateworkisnotavailable,thedirectormayorderthatclause6(a)doesnotapplyforanyperiodthatthedirectorspecifiesintheorder,butuntilthedirectormakesanordertheemployerisrequiredtoprovideaworkerwithallwagesandbenefitsunderthatclause.
Appeal36(8) Apersonaffectedbyanorderofthedirectorundersubsection(7)
mayappealittotheBoard.Inthatcase,section39applieswithnecessarychanges.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.31;S.M.2013,c.9,s.14.
COMMUNICATING IMPROVEMENT ORDERS AND STOP WORK ORDERS
Communication of orders36.1(1) Subjecttosubsection(2),animprovementorderorstopworkorder
maybecommunicatedtothepersonagainstwhomtheorderismade
(a) bydeliveringacopyoftheordertothepersonoranagentoftheperson;
(b) bysendingacopyoftheorderbyregisteredmailtothelastknownaddressoftheperson;or
(c) if,despitereasonableefforts,theordercannotbecommunicatedbydeliveryormailunderclause(a)or(b),bypostingacopyoftheorderinaconspicuousplaceatorneartheworkplacewithrespecttowhichtheorderwasmade.
Communication to worker and self-employed person36.1(2) Animprovementorderorastopworkorderagainstaworkerorself-
employedpersonmaybecommunicated
(a) bydeliveringacopyoftheordertotheworkerortheself-employedperson;or
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(b) if,despitereasonableefforts,theordercannotbedeliveredtotheworkerorself-employedperson,bysendingacopyoftheorderbyregisteredmailtothelastknownaddressoftheworkerorself-employedperson.
Communication of improvement order36.1(3) Ifanimprovementorderispostedataworkplaceunder
subsection(1),itisdeemedtohavebeencommunicatedtothepersonagainstwhomtheorderwasmade24hoursaftertheorderwasposted.
Communication of stop work order36.1(4) Astopworkorderisdeemedtohavebeencommunicatedatthe
timeitisdelivered,receivedorpostedinaccordancewiththissectionandtakeseffectimmediatelyupondelivery,receiptorposting.
Directions for communication36.1(5) Despitesubsections(1)and(2),thedirectormaydirectthatan
orderbecommunicatedtoapersoninamannernotdescribedinthissectionandmaydirectwhentheorderisdeemedtohavebeencommunicated.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.31.
Communication of orders to prime contractor36.2 Ifasafetyandhealthofficermakesanorderagainstanyperson
involvedinworkonaconstructionprojectthathasaprimecontractor,theofficershallprovideacopyoftheordertotheprimecontractor.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.31.
Communication to workplace committees36.3(1) Acopyofeveryimprovementordershallbeprovidedbythesafety
andhealthofficerto
(a) theworkplacesafetyandhealthcommitteefortheworkplacewithrespecttowhichtheorderwasmade;or
(b) theworkersafetyandhealthrepresentative,ifnosafetyandhealthcommitteeexistsfortheworkplace.
Posting improvement order36.3(2) Wherethereisnoworkplacesafetyandhealthcommitteeora
workersafetyandhealthrepresentativefortheworkplace,theofficershallpostinaprominentplaceatorneartheworkplaceacopyofeveryimprovementorder.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.28.
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APPEALS
Appeal can be made to director37(1) Apersondirectlyaffectedbyanorderordecisionofasafetyand
healthofficermadeunder
(a) section26(improvementorder);
(b) section36(stopworkorder);
(c) section42.1(discriminatoryaction);or
(d) section43(righttorefusedangerouswork);
mayappealtheorderordecisiontothedirector.
How to appeal37(2) Thepersonappealingshallsendawrittenappealnoticetothe
directorwithin14daysafterthedateoftheorderordecision,orwithinanyfurtherperiodthatthedirectormayallow.Thenoticemuststatethereasonsfortheappealandlistthepersonsinterestedintheappeal.
Submissions from interested persons37(2.1) Thedirectormustgivetheinterestedpersonslistedinthenotice
ofappealanopportunitytoprovideoralorwrittensubmissions,asdeterminedbythedirector,aboutthematterthatisthesubjectoftheappeal.
Hearing not required37(3) Thedirectorisnotrequiredtoholdahearingbeforedecidingan
appeal.
Decision37(4) Onanappeal,thedirectormay
(a) makeanorderconfirming,varyingorsettingasidetheorderordecision;or
(b) makeanyotherorderthedirectorconsidersreasonable.
Reasons37(5) Thedirectormustmakeadecisionabouttheappeal,andgivewritten
reasons,withinareasonabletimeafterreceivingtheappealnotice,unlesstheappealhasbeenreferredtotheBoardundersection38.
Original decision remains in effect pending appeal37(6) Unlessthedirectorordersotherwise,anappealunderthissection
doesnotsuspendtheoperationoftheorderordecisionunderappeal.
S.M.1995,c.33,s.23;S.M.2002,c.33,s.32;S.M.2013,c.9,s.15.
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Referring an appeal to Board38(1) Insteadofdecidinganappealundersection37,thedirectormay
referittotheBoard.Inthatcase,subsections39(2)to(8)applytotheappeal,withnecessarychanges.
Reasons38(2) Thedirectormustgivewrittenreasonsforadecisiontoreferan
appealtotheBoardundersubsection(1).
Director to give information to Board38(3) OnreferringanappealtotheBoard,thedirectorshall
(a) informthepersonappealingthattheappealhasbeenreferredtotheBoard;
(b) givetheBoard
(i) theappealnoticeundersection37,
(ii) anywritteninformationthedirectorhasthatisrelevanttotheappeal,and
(iii)alistofpersonswhothedirectorthinksaredirectlyaffectedbytheorderordecisionunderappeal;and
(c) giveeachpersononthatlistacopyoftheappealnoticeandanywritteninformationthedirectorhasthatisrelevanttotheappeal.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.32.
Appeal to Board39(1) Anypersondirectlyaffectedbyanorderordecisionofthedirector
undersection37mayappealittotheBoard.
How to appeal39(2) Thepersonappealingmustsendawrittenappealnoticetothe
Boardwithin14daysafterthedateoftheorderordecision,orwithinanyfurtherperiodthattheBoardmayallow.ThenoticemuststatethereasonsfortheappealandmustbeintheformandcontaintheinformationtheBoardrequires.
Notice of hearing date39(3) Onreceivinganoticeofappeal,theBoardshall
(a) fixadate,timeandplaceforhearingtheappeal;and
(b) givewrittennoticeofthehearingtothepersonappealing,thedirectorandanyotherpersondirectlyaffected,atleastfivedaysbeforethehearingdate.
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Director is party39(4) TheDirectorisapartytoanappealunderthissection.
Right to be heard39(5) Atthehearing,theBoardshallgiveanyinterestedpersonan
opportunitytobeheard,topresentevidenceandtomakepresentations.
Decision39(6) Afterhearinganappeal,theBoardmaymakeanorderconfirming,
varyingorsettingasidetheorderordecisionappealedfrom.Itmayalsomakeanyotherorderitconsidersnecessarythatismentionedinsubsection31(4)ofThe Labour Relations Act (remediesforunfairlabourpractice).
Order remains in effect pending appeal39(7) UnlessotherwiseorderedbytheBoardchairperson,anappealtothe
Boardunderthissectiondoesnotsuspendtheoperationoftheorderordecisionunderappeal.
Order filed in Queen’s Bench39(8) AnorderoftheBoardmaybefiledintheCourtofQueen’sBench
andenforcedinthesamemannerandtothesameextentasajudgmentofthatcourt.
Appeal to Court of Appeal39(9) ApersonwhoisapartytoanorderoftheBoardmadeunder
subsection(6)mayappealtheordertoTheCourtofAppeal,butonlyonaquestionoflaworjurisdictionandbyleaveofajudgeoftheCourt.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.32;S.M.2013,c.9,s.16.
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEES AND REPRESENTATIVES
Workplace safety and health committee 40(1) Anemployermustestablishaworkplacesafetyandhealthcommittee
(a) foreachworkplacewhere
(i) inthecaseofaseasonalworkplace,atleast20oftheemployer’sworkersareinvolved,orareexpectedtobeinvolved,inworkandtheworkisexpectedtocontinueforatleast90days,and
(ii) inthecaseofanyotherworkplace,atleast20oftheemployer’sworkersareregularlyemployed;and
(b) foranyotherindividualworkplaceorclassofworkplacedesignatedbyawrittenorderofthedirector.
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Exception for construction project with prime contractor40(2) Subsection(1)doesnotapplytoaconstructionprojectsitethatis
requiredtohaveaprimecontractor.
Committee for construction project site40(3) Aprimecontractorshallestablishacommitteeataconstruction
projectsiteif
(a) atleast20workersareinvolved,orexpectedtobeinvolved,inworkonaconstructionproject;and
(b) theprojectisexpectedtorequiremorethan90daystocomplete.
Determining number of workers40(4) Forthepurposesofsubsection(1),thenumberofworkers
employedataworkplaceshallbedeterminedbyaveraging,overtheprevious12months,thenumberoffull-timeandpart-timeworkerspresenteachworkingday.
More than one committee in a workplace40(5) Thedirectormayissueawrittenorderrequiringanemployer
orprimecontractortoestablishmorethanonecommitteeforaworkplace.Theordermayprovideforthecomposition,practiceandproceduresofthosecommittees.
Committee for multiple workplaces40(6) Notwithstandingsubsections(1)and(3),thedirectormay,in
accordancewiththeregulations,issueawrittenorderpermittinganemployerorprimecontractortoestablishonecommitteeformorethanoneworkplaceorpartsofmorethanoneworkplace.Theordermayprovideforthecomposition,practiceandproceduresofthatcommittee.
Considerations of director40(7) Indeterminingwhethertomakeanorderundersubsection(5)
or(6),thedirectorshalltakeintoaccount
(a) thenatureoftheworkperformedattheworkplace;
(b) anyrequestforanorderbyanemployer,primecontractor,workerorunionrepresentingworkersattheworkplace;
(c) thefrequencyofinjuryorillnessintheworkplaceorintheindustryinquestion;and
(d) withrespecttoanorderundersubsection(6),anyadditionalcriteriasetoutintheregulations.
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Reconsideration re one committee for multiple workplaces40(7.1) If,aftermakinganorderundersubsection(6),additional
informationcomestotheattentionofthedirector,thedirectormay,inaccordancewiththeregulations,reconsidertheorderand
(a) confirmtheorder;or
(b) vary,suspendorrevoketheorderifthedirectorbelievesthat
(i) heorshewouldhavecometoadifferentdecisioniftheinformationhadbeenknownwhentheorderwasmade,or
(ii) aworker’ssafetyorhealthismateriallyaffectedbytheorder.
Membership of committee40(8) Acommittee
(a) shallconsistofnotfewerthanfourormorethan12persons,ofwhomatleast1/2shallbepersons
(i) representingworkerswhoarenotassociatedwiththemanagementoftheworkplace,and
(ii) appointedinaccordancewiththeconstitutionoftheunionthatisthecertifiedbargainingagentorthathasacquiredbargainingrightsonbehalfofthoseworkers,orwherenosuchunionexists,personselectedbytheworkerstheyrepresent;and
(b) shallhavetwoco-chairpersons—onechosenbytheemployermembersonthecommittee,andtheotherchosenbytheworkermembersonthecommittee—whoshallalternateinservingaschairpersonatmeetingsofthecommitteeandshallparticipateinalldecisionsofthecommittee.
Posting of names of members40(9) Theemployerorprimecontractorshallensurethatthenames
ofthecommitteemembersarepostedconspicuouslyintheworkplace.
Duties of committee40(10) Thedutiesofacommitteeinclude
(a) thereceipt,considerationanddispositionofconcernsandcomplaintsrespectingthesafetyandhealthofworkers;
(b) participationintheidentificationofriskstothesafetyorhealthofworkersorotherpersons,arisingoutoforinconnectionwithactivitiesintheworkplace;
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(c) thedevelopmentandpromotionofmeasurestoprotectthesafetyandhealthandwelfareofpersonsintheworkplace,andcheckingtheeffectivenessofsuchmeasures;
(d) co-operationwiththeoccupationalhealthservice,ifsuchaservicehasbeenestablishedwithintheworkplace;
(e) co-operationwithasafetyandhealthofficerexercisingdutiesunderthisActortheregulations;
(f) thedevelopmentandpromotionofprogramsforeducationandinformationconcerningsafetyandhealthintheworkplace;
(g) themakingofrecommendationstotheemployerorprimecontractorrespectingthesafetyandhealthofworkers;
(h) theinspectionoftheworkplaceatregularintervals;
(i) theparticipationininvestigationsofaccidentsanddangerousoccurrencesattheworkplace;
(j) themaintenanceofrecordsinconnectionwiththereceiptanddispositionofconcernsandcomplaintsandtheattendancetoothermattersrelatingtothedutiesofthecommittee;and
(k) suchotherdutiesasmaybespecifiedinthisActorprescribedbyregulation.
Time off for committee work40(11) Amemberofacommitteeisentitledtotakethefollowingtimeoff
fromhisorherregularduties:
(a) onehourorsuchlongerperiodoftimeasthecommitteedeterminesisnecessarytoprepareforeachcommitteemeeting;
(b) thetimerequiredtoattendeachmeetingofthecommittee;
(c) thetimerequiredtoattendworkplacesafetyandhealthtraininginaccordancewithsection44,asapprovedbythecommitteeandtheemployer;
(d) suchtimeasthecommitteedeterminesisnecessarytocarryouthisorherdutiesasacommitteememberunderthisActandtheregulations.
Entitlement to pay for work as committee member40(12) Amemberofacommitteeisdeemedtobeatworkduringthetimes
describedinsubsection(11)andisentitledtobepaidforthosetimesbyhisorheremployeratthemember’sregularorpremiumpay,asapplicable.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act40
Training of committee members40(13) Theemployerorprimecontractormustensurethatcommittee
membersaretrainedtocompetentlyfulfilltheirdutiesascommitteemembers.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.32;S.M.2013,c.9,s.17.
Workplace safety and health representative41(1) Eachemployershallcauseaworkernotassociatedwithmanagement
tobedesignatedastheworkersafetyandhealthrepresentative
(a) ataworkplace,otherthanaconstructionproject,whereasafetyandhealthcommitteeisnotrequiredbutwherefiveormoreworkersareregularlyemployed;
(b) ataconstructionproject,notwithstandingtherequirementsforasafetyandhealthcommittee;and
(c) atanyotherindividualworkplaceorclassesofworkplacesdesignatedbyawrittenorderofthedirector.
Appointment of representative41(2) Theworkersafetyandhealthrepresentativeshallbeappointedin
accordancewiththeconstitutionoftheunionwhichisthecertifiedbargainingagentorhasacquiredbargainingrightsonbehalfofthoseworkers,orifnosuchunionexists,shallbeelectedbytheworkersherepresents.
Posting of name of representative41(3) Theemployershallcausethenameoftherepresentativetobeposted
prominentlyintheworkplace.41(4) [Repealed]S.M.2002,c.33,s.33.
Duties of representative41(5) Theworkerrepresentativeshall,inco-operationwitha
representativeoftheemployer,performthesamedutiesassetoutfortheworkplacesafetyandhealthcommitteesinsection40.
Time off for work as representative41(6) Arepresentativeisentitledtotakethefollowingtimeofffromhisor
herregularduties:
(a) onehourtoprepareforeachsafetyandhealthmeetingwiththeemployer;
(b) thetimerequiredtoattendeachsafetyandhealthmeetingwiththeemployer;
(c) thetimerequiredtoattendworkplacesafetyandhealthtraininginaccordancewithsection44,asapprovedbytheemployer;
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 41
(d) suchtimeasisnecessarytocarryouthisorherdutiesasarepresentativeunderthisActandtheregulations.
Entitlement to pay for work as representative41(7) Arepresentativeisdeemedtobeatworkduringthetimesdescribed
insubsection(6)andisentitledtobepaidforthosetimesbyhisorheremployerattherepresentative’sregularorpremiumpay,asapplicable.
Training of representative41(8) Theemployermustensurethattherepresentativeistrainedto
competentlyfulfillhisorherdutiesasarepresentative.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.33;S.M.2013,c.9,s.18.
Definition: “employer”41.1(1) Inthissection,“employer”meansanemployerorprimecontractor
whoisrequiredtoestablishacommitteeortodesignatearepresentative.
Recommendation by co-chair of committee41.1(1.1)Ifacommitteehasfailedtoreachadecisionaboutwhetherornot
tomakearecommendationunderclause40(10)(g)afterattemptingingoodfaithtodoso,eitherco-chairpersonmaymakewrittenrecommendationstotheemployer.
Employer response to recommendations41.1(2) Within30daysafterreceivingarecommendationfroma
representative,acommitteeoracommitteeco-chairpersonthatidentifiesanythingthatmayposeadangertothesafetyorhealthofanyperson,theemployermustrespondinwritingtotherepresentative,committeeorcommitteeco-chairpersonwhomadetherecommendation.
Contents of employer response41.1(3) Theresponseofanemployermust
(a) containatimetableforimplementingtherecommendationsthattheemployeraccepts;
(a.1)containanyinterimcontrolmeasuresthattheemployerwillimplementtoaddressthedangerposedtothesafetyorhealthofaperson;and
(b) givereasonswhytheemployerdisagreeswithanyrecommendationsthattheemployerdoesnotaccept.
Referral to safety and health officer41.1(4) Ifnoagreementcanbereachedregardingtheresponseofan
employerundersubsection(3),anyofthefollowingmayreferthemattertoasafetyandhealthofficer:
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act42
(a) theemployer;
(b) thecommittee;
(c) amemberofthecommittee;
(d) ifthereisnocommittee,therepresentative.
Order from officer41.1(5) Ifadisputeregardingarecommendationisreferredtoasafety
andhealthofficer,theofficermayissueanorderoradecisioninaccordancewiththisAct.
No limitation41.1(6) Nothinginthissectionlimitstherightofaworkertoreferanymatter
respectingsafetyandhealthdirectlytoasafetyandhealthofficer.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.33;S.M.2013,c.9,s.19.
Information on request41.2 Ifrequestedbyacommitteeorarepresentative,oraworkerifthere
isnocommitteeorrepresentative,theemployerorprimecontractormustdisclosethefollowingtothecommittee,representativeorworker:
(a) informationconcerningthetestingofanyequipment,deviceorchemicalorbiologicalsubstanceusedataworkplace;
(b) aninspectionorinvestigationreportrespectingsafetyandhealthattheworkplace,otherthanaharassmentinvestigationreport;
(c) areportrespectingworkplacesafetyandhealthmonitoringoraudits;
(d) areportprovidingsummaryinformationontheresultsofaharassmentinvestigation,withoutdisclosingthecircumstancesrelatingtothecomplaintoranyinformationthatcouldidentifyaworkerorotherpersoninvolvedwiththematter.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.33;S.M.2013,c.9,s.20.
Accompanying an officer41.3(1) Asafetyandhealthofficerwhoconductsaninspectionor
investigationataworkplace,mayrequestthatheorshebeaccompaniedby
(a) theworkerco-chairpersonofthecommitteeorhisorherdesignate;
(b) ifthereisnocommitteeattheworkplace,therepresentative;
(c) ifthereisnocommitteeorrepresentativeattheworkplace,aworkerselectedbytheunion;or
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(d) ifthereisnocommittee,representativeorunionrepresentingworkersattheworkplace,aworkernotassociatedwiththemanagementoftheworkplace.
Employer co-operation41.3(2) Ifasafetyandhealthofficermakesarequestundersubsection(1),
theemployershallpermitthepersonrequestedtoaccompanytheofficerontheinspectionorinvestigationandshallpaythepersoninaccordancewithsubsection40(11).
S.M.2002,c.33,s.33.
DISCRIMINATORY ACTION
Discriminatory action against worker prohibited42(1) Noemployer,unionorpersonactingonbehalfofanemployeror
unionshalltakeorthreatendiscriminatoryactionagainstaworkerfor
(a) exercisingarightunderorcarryingoutadutyinaccordancewiththisActortheregulations;
(b) testifyinginaproceedingunderthisAct;
(c) givinginformationaboutworkplaceconditionsaffectingthesafety,healthorwelfareofanyworkerto
(i) anemployerorapersonactingonbehalfofanemployer,
(ii) asafetyandhealthofficeroranotherpersonconcernedwiththeadministrationofthisAct,
(iii)anotherworkeroraunionrepresentingaworker,or
(iv) acommitteeorarepresentative;
(d) performingdutiesorexercisingrightsasamemberofacommitteeorasarepresentative;
(e) refusingtododangerousworkundersection43;
(f) takingreasonableactionattheworkplacetoprotectthesafetyorhealthofanotherperson;
(g) complyingwiththisActortheregulationsoracodeofpracticeunderthisAct,oranorderordecisionmadeunderthisAct;or
(h) attemptingtohavethisActortheregulationsenforced.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act44
Failure to pay wages or benefits42(2) Inadditiontothecircumstancesgivingrisetodiscriminatoryaction
assetoutinsubsection(1),anemployerwhofailstopaywagesorbenefitstoaworkerwhenrequiredtodosobythisActisdeemedtohavetakendiscriminatoryactionagainsttheworkerunderthissection.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.34;S.M.2013,c.9,s.21.
Referring a complaint to an officer 42.1(1) Aworkerwhobelievesonreasonablegroundsthattheemployeror
unionhastakendiscriminatoryactionagainsthimorherforareasondescribedinsection42mayreferthemattertoasafetyandhealthofficer.
Order42.1(2) Ifasafetyandhealthofficerdecidesthatanemployerorunionhas
takendiscriminatoryactionagainstaworkerforareasondescribedinsection42,theofficershallmakeanorderrequiringtheemployeroruniontodooneormoreofthefollowing:
(a) stopthediscriminatoryaction;
(b) reinstatetheworkertohisorherformeremploymentonthesametermsandconditionsonwhichtheworkerwasformerlyemployed;
(c) paytheworkeranywagestheworkerwouldhaveearnedhadheorshenotbeenwrongfullydiscriminatedagainstandcompensatetheworkerforlossofanybenefits;
(d) removeanyreprimandorotherreferencetothematterfromanyemploymentrecordstheemployermaintainsabouttheworker.
Officer to advise if no discriminatory action42.1(3) Ifasafetyandhealthofficerdecidesthatnodiscriminatoryaction
wastakenagainstaworkerforareasondescribedinsection42,theofficershallinformtheworkerinwritingofthereasonsforthatdecision.
Onus on employer or union42.1(4) If,inaprosecutionorotherproceedingunderthisAct,aworker
establishes
(a) thatdiscriminatoryactionwastakenagainsthimorher;and
(b) thattheworkerconductedhimselforherselfinamannerdescribedinsection42;
itshallbepresumedthatthediscriminatoryactionwastakenbecauseoftheworker’sconduct.Theonusisthenontheemployeroruniontoprovethatthedecisiontotakethediscriminatoryactionwasnotinfluencedbytheconduct.
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Court order to reinstate, etc.42.1(5) Ifanemployerorunionisconvictedoftakingdiscriminatoryaction
againstaworkercontrarytothisAct,theconvictingjusticeshallordertheemployeroruniontodooneormoreofthefollowing:
(a) stopthediscriminatoryaction;
(b) reinstatetheworkertohisorherformeremploymentonthesametermsandconditionsonwhichtheworkerwasformerlyemployed;
(c) paytheworkeranywagestheworkerwouldhaveearnedhadheorshenotbeenwrongfullydiscriminatedagainstandcompensatetheworkerforlossofanybenefits;
(d) removeanyreprimandorotherreferencetothematterfromanyemploymentrecordstheemployermaintainsabouttheworker.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.34.
RIGHT TO REFUSE DANGEROUS WORK
Right to refuse dangerous work43(1) Subjecttothissection,aworkermayrefusetoworkordoparticular
workataworkplaceifheorshebelievesonreasonablegroundsthattheworkconstitutesadangertohisorhersafetyorhealthortothesafetyorhealthofanotherworkeroranotherperson.
Reporting the refusal 43(2) Aworkerwhorefusestoworkordoparticularworkunder
subsection(1)shallpromptlyreporttherefusalandthereasonsforittohisorheremployerorimmediatesupervisor,ortoanyotherpersoninchargeattheworkplace.
Inspecting dangerous conditions43(3) Iftheemployerdoesnotremedythedangerouscondition
immediately,thepersonwhoreceivesthereportofrefusaltowork,orapersondesignatedbythatperson,shallimmediatelyinspectthedangerousconditioninthepresenceoftheworkerandoneofthefollowingpersons:
(a) ifthereisacommitteeundersection40,theworkerco-chairpersonofthecommitteeor,ifthatpersonisunavailable,acommitteememberwhorepresentsworkers;
(b) ifthereisarepresentativedesignatedundersection41,thatrepresentativeor,ifheorsheisunavailable,anotherworkerselectedbytheworkerrefusingtodothework;
(c) ifthereisnocommitteeorrepresentative,anotherworkerselectedbytheworkerwhoisrefusingtowork.
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Remedial action43(4) Thepersonrequiredtoinspectthedangerousconditionshalltake
anyactionnecessarytoremedyanydangerouscondition,orensurethatsuchactionistaken.
Worker may continue to refuse43(5) Untilthedangerousconditionisremedied,theworkerwhoreported
itmaycontinuetorefusetoworkordoparticularwork.
Other workers not to be assigned43(6) Whenaworkerhasrefusedtoworkordoparticularworkunder
subsection(1),theemployershallnotrequestorassignanotherworkertodotheworkunless
(a)theemployerhasadvisedtheotherworker,inwriting,of
(i) thefirstworker’srefusal,
(ii) thereasonsfortherefusal,
(iii) theotherworker’srighttorefusedangerousworkunderthissection,and
(iv) thereasonwhy,intheopinionoftheemployer,theworkdoesnotconstituteadangertothesafetyorhealthoftheotherworker,anotherworkeroranyperson;
(b) wherepracticable,thefirstworkerhasadvisedtheotherworkerof
(i) thefirstworker’srefusal,and
(ii) thereasonsfortherefusal;and
(c) theactionsrequiredbysubsections(3)and(4)havebeentaken.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.34;S.M.2013,c.9,s.22.
Report of dangerous condition to an officer43.1(1) Ifthedangerousconditionisnotremediedafteraninspectionunder
subsection43(3),anyofthepersonspresentduringtheinspectionmaynotifyasafetyandhealthofficeroftherefusaltoworkandthereasonsforit.
Investigation by officer43.1(2) Onreceivinganoticeundersubsection(1),theofficershall
investigatethematteranddecidewhethertheworktheworkerhasrefusedtodoconstitutesadangertothesafetyorhealthoftheworkeroranyotherworkerorpersonattheworkplace.
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Order by officer43.1(3) Iftheofficerdecidesthattheworkisdangerous,heorsheshall
(a) makeawrittenreportstatingtheofficer’sfindings;
(b) makeanyimprovementorderundersection26orstopworkorderundersection36thattheofficerconsidersnecessaryoradvisable;and
(c) giveacopyofthereportandanyorderto
(i) theworkerwhorefusedtodothework,
(ii) theemployer,and
(iii) theco-chairpersonsofthecommittee,ortherepresentative.
Decision not to issue an order43.1(4) Iftheofficerdecidesthattheworkisnotdangerous,heorshe
shall,inwriting,
(a) informtheemployerandtheworkerofthatdecision;and
(b) informtheworkerthatheorsheisnolongerentitledtorefusetodothework.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.34;S.M.2013,c.9,s.23.
Worker entitled to be paid despite refusal43.2 Ifaworkerhasrefusedtoworkordoparticularworkunder
section43,
(a) theworkerisentitledtothesamewagesandbenefitsthatheorshewouldhavereceivedhadtheworkercontinuedtowork;and
(b) theemployermayre-assigntheworkertemporarilytoalternatework.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.34.
Employer not to make worker work in unsafe conditions43.3(1) Whentheemployerataworkplaceorhisorheragent,orthe
supervisororanotherpersonrepresentingtheemployerattheworkplaceinasupervisorycapacity,knowsoroughttoknowofaconditionattheworkplacethatisorislikelytobedangeroustothesafetyorhealthofaworker,heorsheshallnotrequireorpermitanyworkertodothatworkuntilthedangerousconditionisremedied.
Employer may remedy dangerous condition43.3(2) Subjecttosubsection43(5),nothinginsubsection(1)preventsthe
doingofanyworkorthingataworkplacethatmaybenecessarytoremedyaconditionthatisorislikelytobedangeroustothesafetyorhealthofaworker.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.34.
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act48
EDUCATIONAL LEAVE
Educational leave44(1) Subjecttothissection,everyemployerataworkplacewherethere
isacommitteeorarepresentative,mustalloweachmemberofthecommittee,therepresentative,ortheirrespectivedesignates,totakeeducationalleaveeachyear,withoutlossofpayorbenefits,forthepurposeofattendingworkplacesafetyandhealthtrainingseminars,programsorcoursesofinstruction
(a) offeredbythebranch;
(b) approvedbythecommittee;or
(c) providedforinthecurrentcollectivebargainingagreementrespectingtheworkersattheworkplace.
Time allowed for educational leave44(1.1) Theamountoftimeallowedforeducationalleaveunder
subsection(1)isthegreaterof
(a) 16hours;and
(b) thenumberofhourstheworkernormallyworksduringtwoshifts.
Total number of safety and health committee members44(2) Thetotalnumberofsafetyandhealthcommitteemembersforwhom
theemployerisrequiredtoprovideeducationalleaveinaccordancewithsubsection(1)duringanyyearisequaltothenumberofmembersconstitutingthenormalsizeofthecommittee.
Pay while attending educational leave programming44(2.1) Theemployermustpayacommitteemember,representativeor
designatewhoattendsaworkplacesafetyandhealthtrainingprogramreferredtoinsubsection(1)attheworker’sregularorpremiumpay,asapplicable,forthegreaterof
(a) theactualnumberofhoursspentattendingthetraining;and
(b) thenumberofhourstheworkernormallyworksduringanormalshift.
Exception44(2.2) Subsection(1)doesnotapplytoanemployeronaconstructionproject
oranemployerataseasonalworkplaceasdescribedinsubclause40(1)(a)(i).
Education program on construction sites44(3) Onaconstructionproject,eachemployerwhoemploysfiveormore
workersonthatprojectshallinstituteasafetyandhealtheducationprogramattheworksiteatwhichallworkersshallattendwithoutlossofpayorotherbenefitsforaperiodorperiodsequivalent
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The Workplace Safety And Health Act 49
to30minuteseverytwoweeks,ofwhichnoperiodshallbelessthan15minutes.
Education program at seasonal workplace44(4) Ataseasonalworkplaceasdescribedinsubclause40(1)(a)(i),each
employermustinstituteasafetyandhealtheducationprogramattheworkplace.Allworkersmustattendtheprogramwithoutlossofpayorotherbenefitsforaperiodorperiodsequivalentto30minuteseverytwoweeks,ofwhichnoperiodmaybelessthan15minutes,forthedurationoftheseasonalworkplace.
S.M.2002,c.33,s.36;S.M.2013,c.9,s.24.45 [Repealed]
S.M.2002,c.33,s.37.
NEEDLES IN MEDICAL WORKPLACES
Use of safety-engineered needles45.1(1) Whenhollow-boreorintravenousneedlesareusedinamedical
workplace,theemployermustensure
(a) sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thatworkersuseonlysafety-engineeredneedles;and
(b) thatsafeworkproceduresandpracticesrelatingtotheuseofthosesafety-engineeredneedlesareimplementedintheworkplace.
If safety-engineered needles not practicable45.1(2) Ifitisnotreasonablypracticabletousesafety-engineeredneedles
inamedicalworkplace,theemployermustensurethatsafeworkproceduresandpracticesrelatingtotheuseofhollow-boreorintr