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• Codes, standards & guidelines _______________________________________________________________________ Canadian Occupational Health & Safety Regulatory Alert (COHSRA) references current federal and provincial bills, regulations, notices and proclamations considered by our expert editors to be of interest to all those with responsibilities for complying with Canada's occupational health and safety regulatory regime. Wherever possible, direct links to the Internet are provided, making COHSRA a reilable portal linking subscribers to an almost unlimited resource of current industry-related targeted draft legislation, proposals, verbatim acts, regulations, source documents, ministerial speeches, industry standards and technical compliance guidelines. Each edition of COHSRA cumulatively builds the Canadian Occupational Health & Safety Reference Archive, which is searchable by keyword through the host Templegate Information Services website and which is available to all COHSRA subscribers. Subscribers are invited to participate in adding to the comprehensive nature of this service by suggesting content areas to be tracked on a regular basis. Wherever possible COHSRA editors will include information of specific interest to its subscribers. For more informaiton, or to subscribe now, contact COHSRA directly at: Templegate Information Services at (416) 920-0768 or send your suggestions in an email to publications@templegateinfo.com Note: Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in the Regulatory Alert as of the date on which it was received, legislation, regulations and government policies are all subject to frequent change. Accordingly, Templegate Information Services Inc. cannot assume any responsibility for actions taken solely or principally on the basis of the information contained in this Regulatory Compliance Alert. Subscribers are encouraged to consult with their professional advisors regarding the applicability of any reference contained in this professional information service. For more informaiton, contact Templegate Information Services at (416) 920-0768 or send your suggestions in an email to publications@templegateinfo.com______________________________________________________________________ Federal government initiativesBILLSNew Consumer Product Safety Act shelvedOn December 8, the Senate voted down further amendments to the government's proposed new Consumer Product Safety Act – meaning that the legislation could have become law before Christmas, following a final Senate vote. The new law sought to give Health Canada the power to order mandatory recalls of consumer products. In addition, companies would have been required to inform Health Canada of any serious incidents involving their products. However, the act was shelved late December due to a decision to prorogue the Canadian Parliament. It is expected to be re-introduced when Parliament reconvenes. REGULATIONS Canada Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Regulations require companies to have a management systemSOR/2009-315 Canada Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Regulations come into force December 31, 2009; require companies to have a management system to ensure compliance with the regulations and act and are an amalgamation/modernization of the Drilling Regulations and the Production and Conservation Regulations, that exist in mirror form, under the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act (COGOA) and the Canada- Newfoundland Atlantic Accord Implementation Act, and the Canada Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act (Offshore Accord Acts). Part 12 of the new regulations makes consequential amendments to the Canada Oil and Gas Certificate of Fitness Regulations; the Canada Oil and Gas Installations Regulations; and repeals the Canada Oil and Gas Drilling Regulations. Contact: Natural Resources Canada, Michael Hnetka, Advisor, Regulations (613) 992-2916; email: mhnetka@nrcan.gc.ca website: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca PROPOSED REGULATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC): CNSC says doses of tritium to nuclear workers a fraction of dose limits
December 2009 report released: Tritium Releases and Dose Consequences in Canada in 2006: Part of the Tritium Studies Project; finds doses to workers or members of the public living near nuclear facilities were a fraction of the CNSC dose limits; concentrations of tritium in drinking water sources around nuclear facilities were all below Canadian drinking water quality guideline of 7,000 becquerels per litre (B1/l); elevated levels of tritium in groundwater do not contribute to the radiation dose of workers or the public. Report: http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/pubs_catalogue/uploads/CNSC_Re... Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Government to ratify international maritime safety conventionsFederal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon, announced November 24, 2009, that the federal government will ratify the following international conventions related to maritime safety:
For more information contact: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (613) 944-4000; toll-free: 1 (800) 267-8376; fax: (613) 996-9709; website: http://www.international.gc.ca Environment Canada: Environment Canada posts consultation document for BPAThe federal government recently announced that it is proposing the development of regulations that will establish maximum Bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations in industrial effluents. The regulations will also require facilities using bisphenol A to implement an appropriate environmental management system in order to achieve the lowest level of release of BPA from industrial facilities to water that is technically- and economically-feasible. As a preliminary to developing an appropriate regulation, Environment Canada posted on the CEPA Environmental Registry on November 26, a consultation document titled: Phenol, 4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bis- (Bisphenol A) Chemical .... Access the consultation paper (15 pages; includes links to all related resources; plus contact information and a list of questions for consideration) at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ceparegistry/documents/participation/pba/... Alberta government initiativesBILLS REGULATIONS Amendments exempt charter school staff, council members from Workers' Compensation ActWorkers’ Compensation Act, Alberta Regulation 348/2009 Workers’ Compensation Amendment Regulation; amends AR 325/2002 Workers Compensation Regulation to exempt the following from the requirements of the act: a charter school established pursuant to the School Act; principals and other administration staff employed by a charter school established pursuant to the School Act; and the members of a council of a municipality under the Municipal Government Act (unless the council applies by resolution to the board to have the act apply to members of the council). Access AR 325/2002 (includes amendments): http://www.canlii.org/en/ab/laws/regu/alta-reg-325-2002/late... Alberta Certification and Permit Regulation publishedAlberta Regulation 295/2009, Certification and Permit Regulation, under the province’s Safety Codes Act, was published in the November 14, 2009, edition of The Alberta Gazette, Part II. The regulation, in part, defines the criteria required in order to qualify for:
The certifications of competencies are required in order to obtain a permit as prescsribed by the Safety Codes Act’s Permit Regulation (AR 204/2007). Access the gazette Access AR 204/2007 ANNOUNCEMENTS Work Safe Alberta: Bulletin addresses first workplace first aid providers who work in other provincesJanuary 2010 - Revised: Workplace Health and Safety Bulletin-First Aid in the Workplace: Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement & Agreement on Internal Trade; explains how the Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) with British Columbia, and the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) with other jurisdictions, affects employers, workplace first aid providers who work in more than one province or territory, and training agencies that teach workplace first aid. Document: http://employment.alberta.ca/documents/WHS/WHS-PUB_fa016.pdf British Columbia government initiatives:BILLS REGULATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS WorkSafeBC: Certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants revisedJanuary 2010 - Standard OFA1: Certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants revised. Newly-issued first aid certificates will now be valid for three years (was two years). Standard: http://www2.worksafebc.com/publications/OHSRegulation/WCBStan... WorkSafeBC issues OHS Regulation Compliance Alert for Fire Retardant ClothingWorkSafeBC has issued OHS Regulation Compliance Alert: Provision for Fire Retardant.... The alert was issued as a result of recent discussions with employers in the drilling and well servicing sector that revealed that not all contractors are adhering to the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation with respect to providing FRC to their workers.The regulatory requirements: Section 8.2 of the regulation stipulates that a worker is responsible for providing clothing needed for protection against the natural elements; general purpose work gloves and appropriate footwear including safety footwear; and safety headgear. Section 8.2 (2) provides that an employer is responsible for providing, at no cost to the worker, all other items of personal protective equipment required by the regulation. This includes a responsibility for employers to provide specialized personal protective clothing such as fire retardent clothing. Provision by the employer includes the proper selection, maintenance, and cleaning of any FRC. Section 8.31 provides that workers must wear flame resistant clothing if working in areas where they may be exposed to flash fires, molten metal, welding and burning, or similar hot work hazards. Access the alert (2 pages) at: http://www2.worksafebc.com/pdfs/Petroleum/FlameRetardantCloth... Access the regulation at: http://www2.worksafebc.com/publications/OHSRegulation/Home.as... Manitoba government initiatives:BILLS REGULATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTSMB WCB issues ‘8 steps to employers’ assessment rates in 2010’Manitoba’s Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has posted online, 8 Steps to Employers’ Assessment Rates in 2010. The document explains experience rating and provides an overview of the eight steps used to determine an employer’s assessment rate. Access the '8 steps' document New Brunsick government initiatives:BILLS REGULATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTSWorkSafeNB launches workplace injury costs calculatorWorkSafeNB has launched Workplace Safety Calculator - a new resource that helps employers calculate the non-insured costs of a workplace injury (i.e finding and training replacement workers, purchasing new equipment, loss of productivity) and presents scenarios in four different industries: construction, hospitality, retail, and sawmills. Access the calculator at: http://www.worksafenb.ca/calc/start.htm Newfoundland and Labrador government initiatives:BILLS REGULATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTSWHSCC developing training standards for traffic controlNewfoundland and Labrador’s Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Commission (WHSCC) has announced that it is developing and will implement a training standard for traffic control persons (i.e. flagpersons, highway signage, traffic control management and planning). The standard will help employers and workers ensure safety in the workplace and comply with the new Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (NLR 70/09), pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The regulation came into effect September 1, 2009, and provides that after January 1, 2011, workers will not be permitted to work as traffic control persons until they have completed training as prescribed by the commission (see section 374.(5)).
Northwest Territories government initiatives:
Nova Scotia government initiatives:BILLS Amendments to OH&S Act will streamline appeal processNova Scotia's Minister of Labour and Workforce Development, Marilyn Moore, tabled September 30, 2009, Bill No. 27 Occupational Health and Safety Act (amended). The bill streamlines the appeal process for discriminatory action decisions by eliminating the requirement for an initial appeal to the Director of Occupational Health and Safety and allowing appeals to be sent directly to the Occupational Health and Safety Appeal Panel. Access Bill No. 27 at: http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/bills/61st_1st/1st_read... Access the existing act at: http://www.canlii.org/en/ns/laws/stat/sns-1996-c-7/latest/sn...REGULATIONS Administrative penalties regulations now in effect
Occupational Health and Safety Administrative Penalties Regulations, pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in effect January 15, 2010; implement a monetary penalty system for employers and employees who break occupational health and safety laws.The regulation empowers the department's occupational health and safety division to issue penalties for violations of health and safety laws. Penalties imposed on employers and supervisors will be larger than those imposed on employees and the penalty will increase if it is a repeat offence. The regulation includes appeal provisions. For more information contact: Department of Labour and Workforce Development (902) 424-5301; website: http://www.gov.ns.ca/lwd Regulations: http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/ohspenalties.htm ANNOUNCEMENTS WCB announces WSIS annual general meeting: May 11, 2010Nova Scotia's Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) has announced members of the Workplace Safety and Insurance System (WSIS) will meet May 11, 2010, in Halifax, NS, for the system's annual general meeting. Details are pending. For more information contact: WCB (902) 491-8999; toll-free: 1 (800) 870-3331; website: http://www.wcb.ns.ca Nunavut government initiatives:
Ontario government initiatives:BILLS REGULATIONS Updates to exposure limit threshholds take effect July 1, 2010Ontario Regulation 491/09 Amending O. Reg. 833 Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, updates occupational exposure limits; in effect July 1, 2010. O. Reg. 491/09: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2009/ela... Occupational Health and Safety Act http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statu... Consolidation of 11 designated substances regulations to take effect July 1, 2010Ontario Regulation 490/09 Designated Substances; consolidates 11 designated substance regulations into the new regulation; in effect July 1, 2010. O. Reg. 490/09: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2009/ela... Contact: Ministry of Labour (416) 326-7770; toll-free: 1 (800) 268-8013; Occupational Health and Safety Act http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statu... Amendments to construction projects regulation take effect Jan.1, 2010New amendments to the Construction Projects regulation, under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act – which take effect January 1, 2010 – will incorporate new requirements for guardrail systems. Additional amendments to the Construction projects regulation:
Ontario Regulation 443/09, Amending O. Reg. 213/91 Construction Projects, pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, was filed November 27, 2009, and published in the December 12, 2009 edition of The Ontario Gazette. Access the amending regulation Access O. Reg. 213/91 Construction Projects. For more information contact: Ontario Ministry of Labour (416) 326-7770; website: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca Occupational Health and Safety Act http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statu... New safe needle requirements to apply to additional workplacesOntario Regulation 439/09 Amending O. Reg. 474/07 Needle Safety, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, was filed November 23, 2009, will be published in the December 12, 2009 edition of The Ontario Gazette, and comes into force July 1, 2010. The amendments make the use of safety engineered needles mandatory in additional workplaces, including: doctor and dentist offices; community healing centres; independent health facilities; laboratory and specimen collection centres; and other workplaces where health-related services are provided (i.e. ambulance services; first aid services to workers in industrial workplaces). Access O. Reg. 439/09 at:http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2009/ela... Access O. Reg. 474/07 at: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_0704... ANNOUNCEMENTS Ministry of Labour (MOL): Panel to conduct review of prevention and enforcement systemJanuary 2010 - Tony Dean appointed as chair of an Expert Advisory Panel that will conduct a comprehensive review of Ontario’s occupational health and safety prevention and enforcement system; panel will look at a range of issues including: continuum of safety practices in a workplace and entry-level safety training; impact of the underground economy on health and safety practices; and how existing legislation serves worker safety; report to the Minister of Labour in Fall 2010. Contact: Ministry of Labour (416) 326-7770; toll-free: 1 (800) 268-8013; Fatalities and Immediate Response (FAIR) policy re: assistance to survivorsFatalities and Immediate Response (FAIR) Policy; explains the FAIR partnership - a joint project of Ontario’s Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), the MOL, Threads of Life, and the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA); provides timely and comprehensive assistance to survivors following a traumatic workplace fatality. Document: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pdf/br_fair.pdf Safety blitz on forklifts and lifting devicesMinistry conducting forklift and lifting devices safety blitz in the industrial sector throughout February 2010; will focus on lifting device inspection and maintenance; operation of the lifting device by a competent person; and a safe work environment. Contact: Ministry of Labour (416) 326-7770; toll-free: 1 (800) 268-8013; Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB): Policy revised on employers' disease-reporting obligationsJanuary 2010 - Employers Initial Accident-Reporting Obligations policy revised; clarifies an employer’s obligation to report diseases and an employer’s obligation to report exposures to infectious diseases through needle stick injury. Policy: http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wopm.nsf/public/150102 Draft operational policies for new eService concept for clearance certificatesComments due March 31, 2010: Certificate of Clearance (for 2010) Policy: http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsib... Certificate of Clearance in Construction (for 2012) Policy: http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsib... Policies affecting the construction industryComments are due March 31, 2010. Expanded Compulsory Coverage in Construction Policy (new 2012) Policy: Insurable Earnings - Construction Policy (new 2012) Policy: Offences and Penalties – For Compulsory Coverage in Construction (effective January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012) Policy: Contact: WSIB (416) 344-4145; toll-free: 1 (800) 387-0080; email: Bill119@wsib.on.ca February 15, 2010 deadline to comment on joint health and safety committee (JHSC) certification program reviewOntario’s Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) announced November 18 that it is reviewing the Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Program and has posted the following documents online to support stakeholder consultations. Comments will be accepted until February 15, 2010. The WSIB has placed a moratorium on approving new providers of basic certification training until the new certification standards have been established.
PEI government initiatives:BILLSBill amends act to prohibit use of cell phones while drivingPrince Edward Island's Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Ron W. MacKinley, tabled November 17, 2009, Bill No. 6 Highway Traffic (Cell Phone) Amendment Act. The bill amends the parent Highway Traffic Act to prohibit driving a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device or other prescribed device that is capable of receiving or transmitting telephone communications, electronic data, email, or text messages. Using the preceding devices in hands-free mode is allowed. The bill, once approved, will come into force on proclamation. Access bill no. 6 (6 pages) at:http://www.assembly.pe.ca/bills/pdf_first/63/3/bill-6.pdf For more information contact: Department of Transportation and Public Works (902)_368-5100; fax: (902) 368-5395; website: http://www.gov.pe.ca/tpw REGULATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Quebec government initiatives:BILLS REGULATIONS New legal definition of heavy vehicle in Quebec effective 2010A new legal definition of heavy vehicle under Quebec’s Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy vehicles will become effective in winter or spring 2010 subject to government approval of the required regulatory amendments. The legal definition of heavy vehicle helps to determine the specific regulations applicable to vehicles, particularly regulations dealing with: driving and rest time for heavy vehicle drivers; inspection before departure; and preventive maintenance and periodic mechanical inspection. When the amendment, (Bill 129), becomes effective, vehicles with a GVWR of 4,500kg or more, as specified by the manufacturer, will be considered heavy vehicles. The new definition, which was originally scheduled to take effect in September, will bring Quebec’s definition in line with that of other jurisdictions. For more information contact: Transports Québec, toll-free anywhere in North America 1 (888) 355-0511; fax: (514) 874-9939; website: http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca Access the Act respecting owners, operators and drivers of heavy veh... at: http://www.canlii.org/en/qc/laws/stat/rsq-c-p-30.3/latest/rsq... Access related brochure (2 pages) at: http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/Librairie/Publi... Access Bill 129 (20 pages) at: http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/dynamicSearch/tel... ANNOUNCEMENTS Saskatchewan government initiatives:BILLS REGULATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS Saskatchewan WCB announces guidelines for injury claims where workers act as 'good Samaritans'Saskatchewan's Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) has approved a new policy with regard to compensating workers who are injured while acting in the role of 'good Samaritans.' Policy 3.2.1 Injuries, Workers Acting as Good Samaritans - in effect November 1, 2009 - establishes guidelines for injury claims where workers act or assist in emergency situations. For the purposes of the policy an emergency situation means: "a single occurrence resulting in (potential) serious harm to others that workers encounter in the course of employment and offer their assistance." Workers who are injured while assisting at an emergency situation encountered in the course of employment will be entitled to compensation benefits under the act. For example: a truck driver, while on his route, encounters a high speed car collision. He stops and assists to extricate the occupants from the vehicle(s) but in the process suffers an injury. In this situation, the truck driver's injuries would be compensable. For more information contact: Saskatchewan WCB (306) 787-4370; fax: (306) 787-3915; website: http://www.wcbsask.com
Yukon government initiatives:BILLS REGULATIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB): Board issues preliminary finding documents for fallsJanuary 7, 2010 - Preliminary findings documents for two 2009 falls from heights indicate the falls occurred because the roof edges were not guarded and the appropriate fall prevention equipment was not used. Fall from Height at Whitehorse Copper Subdivision Worksite Document (3 pages): Fall from Height at South M’Clintock Bay Worksite document (3 pages): Codes, standards & guidelines:CSA releases propane storage and handling codeCSA Standards; January 2010 release - B149.2-10 Propane storage and handling code; applies to: the storage, handling, and transfer of propane; the installation of appliances, equipment, components, accessories, and containers on highway vehicles, recreational vehicles, mobile housing, outdoor food service units, and wash-mobiles when propane is used for fuel purposes; propane used as an engine fuel in other than highway vehicles; and the installation of containers and equipment to be used for propane in distribution locations and filling plants. Contact: CSA Standards (416) 747-4044; toll-free: 1 (800) 463-6727; website: http://www.shopcsa.ca American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): Boilers and pressure vesselsBPVC-CC-BPV-2010 BPVC Code Cases: Boilers and Pressure Vessels ; available for pre-order; release expected July 2010; fully-updated; addresses design and repair of pressure vessels ; inspection and certification; latest technological advances in boiler code materials, construction, inspection, certification and safety incorporated in new code. Contact: 1 (800) 843-2763 (US and Canada); website: http://www.asme.org International Safety Equipment Association(ISEA): Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and HeadwearJanuary 2010 - American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear (ANSI/ISEA 107-2010) will be available in February 2010; includes criteria and test requirements for high -visibility garments marked as flame- or water-resistant. Contact: ISEA (703) 525-1695; website: http://www.safetyequipment.org NFPA revising standard for electrical safety in the workplaceThe US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced recently that the 2012 edition of NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace is scheduled for release in August 2011. Proposals for revisions to the existing standard are invited. Input will be accepted until January 5, 2010. A preliminary draft of the 2012 edition will be available in June 2010. NFPA 70E addresses electrical safety requirements for workplaces during activities such as the installation, operation, maintenance, and demolition of electric conductors, electric equipment, signaling, and communications conductors and equipment Access NFPA 70E at: http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70... Access form for submitting a proposal at: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/CodesStandards/NFPAPropo... ASSE revises fall protection standard: definitions, nomenclatureThe American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) announced in November 2009, the release of an updated ANSI/ASSE Z359.0-2009 Definitions and Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection and Fall Arrest-Part of the Fall Protection Code. The ASSE has posted the revised standard on the ASSE website for download at no cost. Access the updated standard (37 pages) at: http://www.asse.org/shoponline/support/EZ359-0-2009.pdf Corporate OHS initiatives:Award-winning workplace health website available to allThe National Quality Institute recently awarded Pfizer Canada its Healthy Workplace® Gold Trophy Award. The award is based on the National Quality Institute's Healthy Workplace framework, which was developed in partnership with Health Canada and in association with health and wellness professionals. At the cornerstone of Pfizer's healthy workplace is their workplace wellness program, called VIVA, which the company developed in May 2007. This integrated program is centered on disease prevention, awareness of healthy living and employee support. More than three-quarters of Pfizer employees surveyed in December 2008 said that the VIVA program adds value to their jobs. They also said that the program helps them reach their personal health goals, improves their moral, keeps them energized and helps reduce their stress. Part of the VIVA program is a website called “More than Medication” which the company launched in 2008. The site offers free, “made-in-Canada” non-medicinal health information. Pfizer medications are never mentioned The site features interactive wellness tools across a wide range of topics, including: brain games, stress management, nutrition and more. The site, accessible to all Canadians, also provides links to thousands of local support groups. Access the More than Medication website at: http://www.morethanmedication.ca BC employers recognized for creating psychologically healthy workplaces during economic distressThe BC Psychologically Healthy Workplace Collaborative (PHWC) - a standing committee of the British Columbia Psychological Association, announced in October 2009, winners of the 2009 awards for outstanding practices in support of their employees. The awards address five criteria for a psychologically healthy workplace: employee involvement; work-life balance; employee recognition; employee growth and development; and health and safety. Research has demonstrated that each of these domains is linked to organizational effectiveness, profitability, and expansion. The 2009 winners are: Vancouver Airport Authority; Westminster Savings Credit Union; Back in Motion Rehabilitation; Tourism Whistler; EDS Advanced Solutions; and Interior Health Authority. For more information contact: PHWC (778) 782-5263; email: info@phwc.ca website:http://www.phwc.ca Related Resources: Mental Health Best Practices. Canada's life and health insurance industry announced October 27, 2009, that its members had committed to adopting a mental health strategy incorporating principles that establish the benchmarks for best practices in the industry: The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc., has posted online: Guiding Principles to Support Good Mental Health in the Workplace. The document includes illustrations supporting principles and best practices. For more information contact: Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (416) 777-2221; fax: (416) 777-1895; website: http://www.clhia.ca Access the guiding principles document (3 pages) at: http://www.clhia.ca/download/Mental_Health_in_the_Workplace.p...US and international developmentsUS Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Compliance with Intermodal Equipment Final Rule now requiredDecember 2009: compliance with Intermodal Equipment Final Rule now required. The rule was published in the December 17, 2008, edition of the Federal Register; came into effect in June 2009; makes intermodal equipment providers subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for the first time; and establishes shared safety responsibility among intermodal equipment providers, motor carriers, and drivers. Rule: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-... Related document: Intermodal Equipment Safety, What Providers & Drivers Need to Know: How to Comply with New Intermodal Equipment Rules: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/IEP/IMODAL-... Legal insights and OHS due diligenceAsbestos as a latent defect; Asbestos regulation in QuebecBlake, Cassels & Graydon LLP - December 2009; Blakes Bulletin: Environmental Law; discusses asbestos regulation in Quebec; topics include asbestos as a latent defect; Quebec’s Environment Quality Act; Quebec’s Occupational Health and Safety Act; definitions in contracts; facility shut down; facility sale. Bulletin: http://www.blakes.com/english/legal_updates/environmental/dec... return to table of contentsProfessional development conferences and courses18th Annual Canadian Environmental Compliance Conference & Tradeshow (CANECT) 2010May 3,4, and 5 International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Toronto; featuring 10 professisonal development courses for environmental practitioners and those in industry with environmental and risk management responsibilities. Details: http://www.canect.net Annual Compensation Institute scheduled for March 22 and 23, 2010Saskatchewan WCB recently announced Compensation Institute 2010 will take place March 22 and 23, in Regina, SK. The agenda is now being prepared. Interested parties can pre-register on the WCB's website. In 2009, more than 450 people registered for the event making it the largest Compensation Institute ever. For more information contact: Saskatchewan WCB (306) 787-4370; fax: (306) 787-3915; website: http://www.wcbsask.com Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA): 2010 Annual MeetingIn Fredericton, NB May 16-20, 2010. Participants include senior decision-makers, managers, and other professionals from government and industry, interested in highway safety practices/procedures, programs and research, driver licensing, vehicle registration, and commercial vehicle regulation, compliance, and enforcement. website: http://www.ccmta.ca The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO: High-level Safety Conference 2010, March 29-April 1, 2010At ICAO headquarters Montreal, QC. The conference brings together senior executives and stakeholders to build consensus on key safety initiatives. Website: http://www2.icao.int/en/HLSC/default.aspx
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