In a move to improve workplace safety the Department of Labour and Workforce Development announced this week that it will implement monetary penalties for employers and workers who break occupational health and safety laws.

Beginning in January, the Department of Labour and Workforce Development's occupational health and safety division will have the ability to issue penalties when violations of health and safety laws are found in workplaces.

Nova Scotia continues to face an epidemic of workplace injury. About 1 out of every 10 covered workers in the province, statistically, will be injured on the job, and there were 29 workplace fatalities last year. There is a compelling case for real cultural change in this province. Nova Scotians need to work together to reduce the human and financial impact of workplace injury.

Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety laws and regulations is critical toward better safety outcomes. Everyone in a workplace has a responsibility for workplace safety. In the WCB's work with workplaces and in awareness campaigns, it encourages people to take personal responsibility for workplace safety – to do something about it, before it’s an injury.

While the Occupational Health and Safety Division of Nova Scotia are responsible for enforcement of the Act, the WCB supports the ultimate outcome of this kind of change – safer workplaces.

Read full news release on the Government of Nova Scotia website.