Released on May 20, 2014
The Government of Saskatchewan is making public buildings safer for workers, employees and the general public by enacting asbestos regulations associated with The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 and The Public Health Act, 1994.Occupational Health and Safety asbestos regulations have been amended to include additional forms of asbestos to be reported, to provide clarity of definitions and to update required information, such as characteristics, accessibility and location.
“These new requirements will improve safety by better informing workers on asbestos exposure,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “Once again I want to acknowledge the late Howard Willems and his efforts to make Saskatchewan workplaces safer.”
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety will focus on awareness and education from now until June 1, 2014, when compliance and enforcement will come in to effect for all asbestos related activities.
The Public Health Act, 1994 requires prescribed public building owners to submit information about the presence of asbestos to the registry. Owners who have already provided information are required to review the amended regulations and if necessary provide an updated submission to the registry.
The registry applies to buildings owned by:
- Crown Corporations;
- health regions and their affiliates;
- schools; and
- the Provincial Government.
For guidelines, a submission form and information visit www.saskatchewan.ca/asbestos.
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For more information, contact:
Shannon McMillan
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0253