October 24, 2007
PROVINCE ANNOUNCES NEW ADVISORY COUNCIL ON WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan today announced the appointment and reappointment of members and a chair to the Minister’s Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health.
The advisory council is appointed under the authority of the Workplace Safety and Health Act to provide advice to the minister on matters relating to the safety and health of workers in the province.
Following expiration of terms for all past members, the government sought nominations for appointment from all Manitoba groups representative of council membership including labour, employer and technical/professional organizations.
The new and returning members of the Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health are:
· Grant McCaughey, new chair;
· David Martin, Manitoba Building and Construction Trades Council, returning labour representative;
· Pete Walker, Manitoba Federation of Labour, returning labour representative;
· Rob Hilliard, United Food and Commercial Workers’ Union, Local 832, new labour representative;
· Stephen Edwards, Canadian Union of Public Employees, new labour representative;
· Ron Hambley, Winnipeg Construction Association, returning employer representative;
· Ian Cooper, Mining Association of Manitoba, new employer representative;
· Neil Currie, Manitoba Employers’ Council, new employer representative;
· Stan Kruse, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, new employer representative;
· Carol Loveridge, Manitoba Federation of Labour, Occupational Health Centre, returning technical/professional representative;
· Judith Siemens, College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, new technical/professional representative;
· Rae Cavanagh, American Industrial Hygiene Association, new technical/professional representative; and
· Andrew Dolhy, Accident Prevention Association of Manitoba, new technical/professional representative.
“The advisory council has a history of valuable contributions to workplace safety and health in the province. The previous council was keenly instrumental in bringing about comprehensive changes to both the Workplace Safety and Health Act and regulations,” said Allan. “I am pleased to have worked with them.”
Although the government’s plan to update Manitoba’s legislative framework for occupational safety and health is complete, the act calls for the new council to review the act and its administration at least once every five years.
“I have asked the council to begin this review,” said Allan. “This will ensure our legislation keeps pace with changes in Manitoba workplaces and that we continue protecting the safety and health of our workers.”
As part of this review, the advisory council is requesting written submissions from stakeholders for its consideration. Submissions will be accepted until Feb. 15, 2008, and can be mailed to Grant McCaughey, chair, Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health, 200 - 401 York Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8.
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