Recently approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Noise and Confined Space regulations are now in place and are designed to help prevent hearing loss due to noisy workplaces.
The Noise amendments include requirements for a hearing protection program in the workplace including noise measurement, education and training, engineered noise control, hearing protection, posting of noise hazard areas, hearing tests and an annual program review. The Confined Space amendment expands the definition of "confined space" and provides greater clarity to occupational health and safety training providers and industry stakeholders on what is considered a confined space.
“Prevention is the most effective way to minimize the overall emotional, physical and financial burden of workplace injuries,” said Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “These positive changes to our Occupational Health and Safety Act regulations ensure greater protection for Island workers and employers in regard to workplace health and safety standards.”
George Stewart, Director of Occupational Health and Safety for the Workers Compensation Board, said, “noise induced hearing loss can be a devastating workplace injury as the loss of hearing can not be reversed. Like all workplace injuries, it is preventable if adequate protection is in place.”
BACKGROUNDER
Draft amendments for the Noise and Confined Space regulations went through an extensive stakeholder review process giving Island worker and employer representatives an opportunity to provide input on the proposed changes. The Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council reviewed and incorporated many of the stakeholder recommendations into the amendments which were presented to government for approval.
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is responsible for both the education and enforcement of occupational health and safety standards in Prince Edward Island. The Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour and the Workers Compensation Board are working together to improve workplace health and safety for Islanders.