By Sarah Klein
New rules to increase the health and safety of new workers in high-risk occupations in Manitoba go into effect on April 1.
Labour and Immigration Minister Erna Braun said along with the new protections, employers who are found to put workers’ safety at risk will face stronger penalties.
“These amendments will help build a stronger safety culture by providing for stop-work orders and immediate penalties for unsafe workplaces and ensuring that new workers have the information they need to be safe at work, and understand their safety and health rights,” Braun said.
Under the legislation, employers will be required to ensure that each safety and health representative or safety and health committee member is trained to competently fulfil their duties. Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health will be required to take into account information provided by affected parties when making a decision with respect to appeals, exemptions and variances.
