Working as an Engineer in Nova Scotia

Occupational Health and Safety

What is Occupational Health & Safety?

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Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation in Canada outlines the general rights and responsibilities of the employer, the supervisor and the worker with regards to workplace health and safety practices and standards through an Act and related regulations. Each of the ten provinces, three territories and the federal government has its own OH&S legislation.

In each province or territory, the Act applies to most workplaces in that region.

Workplaces in Nova Scotia are protected by Nova Scotia’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

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Here are some areas that have regulations under the Act:

  • Occupation Health & Safety First Aid Regulations
  • Occupational Safety General Regulations
  • Underground Mining Regulations
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations
  • Workplace Health and Safety Regulations

Go here to download a copy of the Act. (Read More 1)

Visit here to see all areas that have regulations under the Occupational Health & Safety Act. (Read More 2)

Rights and Responsibilities

Here are the employer responsibilities, employee responsibilities and employee rights.

Employers must take every reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety of people at or near the workplace.  Some of the main employer responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act are to:

  • Provide a safe workplace
  • Ensure training on how to do the work safely
  • Ensure equipment is safe, with all guards in place
  • Inform employees on what could harm them and the safety measures to take
  • Offer clear direction on who employees talk to if something is not safe
  • Based on OHS requirements, have a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (a JOHSC) or safety representatives in place
  • Work together with the JOHSC, safety representatives and with provincial OHS officers
  • Create an occupational health and safety policy and/or program as required by the Act
  • Follow the OHS Act and regulations

As an employee, you are expected to take every reasonable precaution to protect your own health and safety, and that of other people at or near the workplace.  This includes:

  • Doing everything possible to protect the safety of yourself and others at the workplace
  • Reporting anything that might be dangerous to a supervisor
  • Co-operating with your employer and fellow employees to protect your health and safety
  • Using safety devices, equipment and clothing required by the employer and safety law
  • Talking to and working with the JOHSC, safety reps and with provincial OHS officers
  • Following the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations

As an employee, your rights are:

  • To know about workplace hazards and how to keep yourself and others safe
  • To take part in making the workplace safe
  • To refuse work that is not safe for you or another worker

Visit here for more information on this.  (Read More 3)

 

The Occupational Health & Safety Division in Nova Scotia concentrates its efforts on safe and healthy workplaces, work practices and safety standards protecting the general public.

Visit here for more information on the OHS Division.  (Read More 4)

Engineers Nova Scotia organizes OH&S related Lunch and Learn sessions across Nova Scotia.

Visit here for PowerPoint presentations and recorded presentations on OH&S topics.  This webpage also has links to useful OH&S websites.  (Read More 5)

Reflection

Do workplaces in your country of origin have health and safety regulations? 

 

Is it the law? 

 

Do employers ensure that you have proper training and equipment?

Advice

Take First Aid and WHMIS courses at ISANS if your certificates are not current.

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    Source 1: Government of Canada Website

    Canadian Centre for Occupational Health Safety Homepage

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    Source 2: Government of Nova Scotia Website

    Department of Labour and Advanced Education

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    Source 3: Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia Website

    Work Safe for Life Homepage

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    Read More 1: Nova Scotia Legislature Website

    Occupational Health and Safety Act (.pdf)

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    Read More 2: Government of Canada Website

    List of Regulations by Act (M-Z)

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    Read More 3: Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia Website

    Work Safe for Life Homepage

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    Read More 4: Government of Nova Scotia Website

    Department of Labour and Advanced Education

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    Read More 5: Engineers Nova Scotia Website

    Occupational Health and Safety