The Honourable Gail A. Shea, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, recently appointed members to the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council. The Council has been newly established as a result of amendments to Prince Edward Island's Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act in December 2000. To assist in creating safer, healthier workplaces for Islanders, the Council will provide advice to Workers Compensation Board on OH&S matters throughout the province and advise government on proposed revisions to the legislation.
The three members representing workers on the Council are Mike McQuaid of Charlottetown, Kim Sampson of Pooles Corner, and Tammy Chaisson of Harper Road. Employer representatives are Barry Campbell of Seaview, Dan Hughes of Summerside, and Wanson Hemphill of Covehead. Representatives of Workers Compensation Board are George Stewart, Director of OH&S, and Jim Lee, Chair of Workers Compensation Board. Mike Murphy of Charlottetown is the public representative.
Minister Shea stated that, "Increased attention to health and safety will help prevent accidents and reduce costs for workers and employers. The Occupational Health and Safety Council represents a joint effort on behalf of public, industry, Workers Compensation Board and government to raise awareness and create a workplace culture where safety is a way of life." The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and Workers Compensation Board of PEI are dedicated to promoting improved workplace health and safety for the workers and employers of this province.
George Stewart explained that, "The Council will advise Workers Compensation Board on the administration of the act and regulations and provide recommendations regarding safety matters within all workplace sectors of the province including legislative change, program development and other areas in which employers and workers are demonstrating a need for change."
The council will also assist workplace parties in understanding the principles of the act and the amendments, of which the OH&S division of Workers Compensation Board has developed a guide (www.wcb.pe.ca).