LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Respiratory Protection

Jul 16: Newfoundland announced that it’s providing $420,000 in Business Growth Program funding to support St. John’s-based support NDITIVE Technologies Inc. for research and development of an artificial intelligence-powered wearable safety device to protect workers against exposure to harmful gases. The smart respirator will boost workplace safety in oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and other high-risk sectors.

Action Point: Find out how to implement an effective Respiratory Protection Equipment Compliance Game Plan at your site.

Transportation Safety

Jul 25: Newfoundland’s $3.9 million speed camera program is officially underway with the installation of the first 3 cameras. Rollout will take place in stages, starting with installation of 10 speed cameras on provincial and municipal roads and highways. Cameras will next be installed in construction and school zones, and at traffic light-controlled intersections to be followed by installation on the stop arms of school buses to detect vehicles passing stopped school buses.

Action Point: Find out how to implement a legally sound video surveillance policy to ensure safety in vehicles and at your workplace without violating workers’ privacy rights in the process.

New Laws

Aug 7: Newfoundland launched a new $3.5 million project to help women apprentices gain the hands-on experience they need to achieve Red Seal certification. The 3-year Exploring Social Enterprise as a Pathway Through Apprenticeship project will create an all-female renovation crew operating under a social enterprise to deliver services to vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence, seniors and persons with disabilities.

New Laws

Aug 7: Newfoundland launched a new Online Journeyperson and Apprentice Registry enabling employers, apprentices, journeypersons and apprenticeship authorities to quickly confirm certification status online using a simple search requiring only the individual’s first and last name and certificate or apprenticeship number. Requests will be processed within 2 business days.

CASES

Electrical Safety: Government Lays 9 OHS Charges Against Newfoundland Hydro

Newfoundland Hydro was charged with 9 OHS violations for a 2023 incident at the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station where a worker contacted electricity in the switchyard area and died while being rushed to the hospital. A supervisor also faces one OHS charge [Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Govt. Press Release, July 21, 2025].

Action Point: Don’t let this happen to you! Find out how to implement a legally sound Electrical Safety Compliance Game Plan at your workplace.