Safer workplaces in Canada are more common these days. Hence, as 90% of the workplaces are according to the health & Safety regulations. This has been achieved through a period of many years. In fact after decades of hard work and persistence regards to the areas of health & safety. Canada, the biggest country of North America area-wise is considered now to be an ‘Advanced safety country’. This means it is amongst the ‘advanced safety nations’ of the world. That is, the countries that give massive priorities to health & safety at the workplace. Furthermore, to training manual according to the type of work. ‘Advanced safety nations’, also includes the workers who are acknowledged and know their rights at the workplace.
This is in the early 1900’s in Canada that many diseases or injuries were highly associated with unsafe workplaces or hazardous occupations. This has been the cause of Occupational health & safety. In addition to this, the rules being applied that are international laws. Hence, also in line & according to requirements of ‘advanced safety nations’. The Provinces of Canada that opened their eyes and acted for the very first time was Ontario. In the famous Province, the paths towards the improved workplace health & safety began in the year 1884. This happened after the Ontario Factories Act was passed. Something, that started a system of inspections for safer workplaces. Furthermore, there were steps that were taken regards to the injuries at workplace, especially the factories. The first workers compensation in Canada came in the year 1886. Hence, it is known as the Ontario Workman’s compensation. The compensation for Injuries Act stated that under some conditions where the injury has occurred to the workers. The workers could take legal action against the employer. Especially, for the injuries that are sustained at the workplace.
SASKATCHEWAN & ONTARIO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ACT:
Amongst the provinces and territories of Canada, its Saskatchewan province where the occupational health Act was passed in the year 1972. A milestone achieved regards to efforts in line with safer workplaces. It is considered by the law makers as the first legislation of its kind in the province of North America. According to the Act, the workers must have the right to know about the hazards and dangers at the workplace. Secondly, the right to participate in the health and Safety issues, through a work committee. Lastly, every worker must have the right for the refusal of unsafe work. These three measures in the Occupational Health & Safety are the key basic identifiers of health & safety issues. These includes issues that can possibly arise at the workplace.
Another Occupational Health & Safety Act was passed in 1978 in Ontario. An Act which has certain additions due to the effect of the happenings of 1974 miners’ strike. This miners’ strike occurred in Elliot Lake in Northern Ontario. Especially, due to unsafe working conditions at Elliot Lake. The report presented in the Royal Commission on the wake of events of 1974, is also known as ‘The Ham Report’.
A significant achievement that happened in the same year, i.e. 1978 was the creation of an agency. It is known in current times as Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS), and the agency was formed by an Act of parliament. The activities of CCOHS has been phenomenal in yester years. Additionally, has been really important in bringing Canada into the list of ‘Advanced safety nations’.
ACTIVITIES & ROLE OF HEALTH CANADA AT WORKPLACE:
The organisation Health Canada has worked effectively to achieve benchmarks for safer workplaces. This is through its Workplace Health & Public Safety Program. A program that has provided national leadership for the enhancement of healthy living for all the working Canadians.
The role of Health Canada in this regards is very vital. Particularly, as Health Canada is a key organisation that monitors and observes the health & safety workplace practices. Examples includes, wearing safety head gears at the workplace. Especially, on construction & Occupational Health & Safety sites. Also, includes wearing jackets & hivis with protective material & good for visibility. All these activities, also including wearing masks in recent times at the workplace are responsibility of Health Canada. Importantly, along with CCOHS, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety.