LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Powered Mobile Equipment

Apr 16: A jury at a coroner’s inquest into a 2024 incident in which a government worker died in a quarry after being rolled over by a truck moving in reverse issued recommendations for the Department of Transportation to take going forward: i. Post a spotter when a truck with blind spots must back up; ii. Install backup cameras on trucks with blind spots; iii. Communicate clearly at morning safety briefings to identify tasks and pinpoint any ecological or environmental hazards and safety risks; and iv. Raise awareness of the need to limit cellphone use on work sites.

Action Point: Find out how to implement a Powered Mobile Equipment Compliance Game Plan to prevent forklift incidents and injuries at your workplace.

Incident Reporting

Apr 23: WorkSafeNB adopted the electronic Worker’s Application for Compensation Benefits and Employer’s Report of Injury or Illness (E67) as the preferred method for workers to submit claims and employers to report OHS injuries electronically.

Action Point: Find out how to implement a legally sound Incident Reporting Compliance Game Plan at your site.

New Laws

May 28 is the deadline to comment on proposed regulations to implement the new Free Trade Within Canada Act providing for recognition of goods, services, and occupations from other provinces as meeting equivalent regulatory requirements in New Brunswick.

New Laws

May 1: New Brunswick expanded the Practice Ready Assessment program, which helps internationally trained physicians become licensed to practice in the province, from 10 to 14 spaces. Offered through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, the program enables candidates to participate in a 12-week clinical field assessment under the supervision of licensed physicians who evaluate their readiness, skills, and suitability. Successful candidates must sign a three-year return-of-service agreement with the government.

New Laws

Apr 9: The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) will invest over $1.8 million in a project to expand the water and wastewater infrastructure in Belle-Baie. The province will also provide $1.2 million in support and municipalities will kick in another $606,000.

Workers’ Compensation

May 1: WorkSafeNB’s Policy 21-220 Medical Expense Related Travel setting out the meals, transportation, and hotel allowance schedule for workers traveling outside New Brunswick to receive medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness during the current fiscal year took effect.

CASES

First Aid: Power Company Fined $75,000 for Not Having Injured Worker Transport Policy

Two powerline technicians restoring power after a winter storm fell approximately 15.8 metres when a transmission pole failed during repairs. Both workers suffered serious injuries and one of them later died. The victims’ employer pled guilty to

failing to prepare a written procedure for transporting injured employees from a work site to the nearest health-care facility, as required by the First Aid Regulation. Result: A $75,000 fine and 60 days of probation [New Brunswick Power Corporation, April 20, 2026].

Action Point: Find out how to implement an effective First Aid Compliance Game Plan at your workplace.