LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Material Handling

Aug 11: WorkSafeNB issued a new Hazard Alert warning of the hidden dangers posed by vehicle unloading operations. Risk factors include shifting loads, damaged packaging, awkward or heavy items, hoisting hazards, and overhead power lines. Unloading becomes even more dangerous when it involves the handling of toxic materials.

Action Point: Use the OHS Insider Cranes/Hoists/Lifting Device Compliance Game Plan to ensure safe vehicle unloading at your workplace.

Noise Hazards

Aug 21: That’s the final day to comment on proposed updates to WorkSafeNB Policy 21-112 Occupational Hearing Loss clarifying the rules for workers’ comp coverage for noise-induced and traumatic hearing loss and tinnitus. We welcome input from workers, employers, and stakeholders during this 30-day consultation.

Action Point: Use the OHSI noise control and hearing conservation program template to protect your workers from hazardous noise exposure.

Workplace Violence

Jul 28: New Brunswick said it plans to invest $9.2 million in gender-based violence services, including $4.6 million for the transition house program providing emergency shelter to women fleeing violence, $1.5 million for the second-stage housing program and $2.1 million for the gender-based violence outreach program offering prevention, education, and support services to victims of violence.

Action Point: Find out how to implement an effective domestic violence prevention and response policy at your workplace.

Workers’ Comp

Jul 22: WorkSafeNB revised Policy 24-100 setting out the rules the agency follows in approving and providing funding to safety associations for training, education, and other accident prevention efforts. The Policy lists the specific steps an organization must take to qualify as an approved safety association, including the kind of business plan it must submit.

CASES

No cases to mention this month.