CCA Awaits Results of Supreme Court Human Rights Case

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The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is awaiting the status of a Supreme Court of Canada case that could expand the scope of human rights legislation.

The CCA became involved after it was approached by national law firm Torys LLP about an appeal of a B.C. Court of Appeal decision in Schrenk v. British Columbia (Human Rights Tribunal) to the Supreme Court of Canada. The case involves whether provincial human rights legislation applies to a construction (multi-employer) site where alleged discrimination is occurring between employees of different companies/employers.

Read more.

Public Services and Procurement Canada Increases Transparency Around Construction Contract Payments

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The Government of Canada is committed to growing the economy, strengthening the middle class and helping those working hard to join it. Our government understands that too many workers in the construction industry face financial hardship because of payment delays.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) today announced that it will publicly disclose payments to prime contractors so that construction subcontractors know when they can expect payment.

Read more.

OHS Act Amendments

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Worker safety should be everyone’s top priority. However, there are some companies and individuals who repeatedly ignore or break safety laws, putting workers at risk of serious injury.

On June 12, 2017, amendments to the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act will come into effect to:

  • Clarify the definition of an injury or serious incident and how to report it
  • Extend the authority of the OHS director to deal with repeat offenders who continue to put others at risk of serious injury
    • Court injunction to prevent future work
    • Order future worksite information
    • Multiple worksite stop work orders

Click HERE to read the summary of the four amendments.

Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council looking for members

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The province is inviting applications from quali ed Nova Scotians who are interested in serving as members on the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council.

The Advisory Council provides strategic advice to the Minister and the Department of Labour and Advanced Education on issues affecting occupational health and safety (OHS) in Nova Scotia.

Individuals interested in this opportunity should be:

  • A proven leader in improving occupational health and safety standards at work
  • Experienced in developing and implementing effective OHS programs
  • Currently employed and knowledgeable about the impact of OHS in unionized, non-unionized environments and small businesses.

If you would like more information about this opportunity, please contact the department’s Appointment Coordinator, Shawn Mosher, at 902-424-6654 or Shawn.Mosher@novascotia.ca.

You can find information about how to apply to serve on the Committee at: www.novascotia.ca/abc

Please submit completed applications to the Executive Council Office by email, fax or mail:

One Government Place 5th Floor
1700 Granville Street P.O. Box 2125
Halifax, NS B3J 3B7

Fax: 902-424-0667
Email: executive.council@novascotia.ca

Applications are due by: July 12, 2017

OHS Act Amendments Take Effect June 12, 2017

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In April 2016, government introduced and passed Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act to help keep Nova Scotians safe at work. Most employers in Nova Scotia operate safe workplaces. However, there are some who repeatedly break serious health and safety rules, putting Nova Scotians at risk of serious injury or death. The amendments hold those employers more accountable, and were passed by the legislature with a commitment by the Department to work with stakeholders on next steps. That work is complete, and we’re ready to put the changes into place.

The amendments came into force on June 12, 2017.

Click HERE to review the Safety Bulletin summarizing the changes to the act.

Click HERE for a copy of the updated Act.

To review the details of the revised Act, click HERE for the link to Bill 165.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 1-800-952-2687 or 902-424-5400, or via email at ohsdivision@novascotia.ca

Smart buildings market prepares to take off

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One critical factor in the proliferation of smart buildings is how security is handled. Connecting a building’s systems to the internet makes the structure and its occupants vulnerable to a new host of threats. A new Market Research report notes that managing cybersecurity threats is critical to encouraging owners and the general public to continue to accept smart buildings and the related technology. Read more.