Labour - Workplace, Safety & Health

2017 Review of The Workplace Safety and Health Act

Frequently Asked Questions


  1. Q. What is the role and mandate of The Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health (Council)? 

    A. The role and mandate of Council is to advise or make recommendations to the minister on matters relating to workplace safety and health, including the protection of workers, appointments of consultants and advisors, and any other matter on which the minister seeks the council’s opinion.

    Council is required under The Workplace Safety and Health Act to undertake a review of the Act and its administration at least once every five years, and to report its findings and recommendations, if any, to the minister.

  2. Q. How do I make a submission?

    A. Submissions may be provided by email: WSHActReview@gov.mb.ca

    or or mail:

    Review of The Workplace Safety and Health Act
    c/o Chair, The Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health
    Workplace Safety and Health
    200-401 York Avenue
    Winnipeg, MB R3L 2G8

  3. Q. Can I give my comments over the phone or in person?

    A. Submissions may be provided in alternate formats where persons require accommodations due to a disability or other barrier to access.

    To arrange for submission of comments in alternate formats due to accessibility considerations, please contact 204-957-SAFE (7233), toll-free 1-855-957-SAFE (7233) and select ‘Option 1’ to speak with a Workplace Safety and Health Client Services Officer or email WSHActReview@gov.mb.ca with the subject line ‘2017 Review of The Workplace Safety and Health Act.’

  4. Q. Can I make a submission on any topic?

    A. Yes, but the focus of the review is to ensure that the Act provides adequate protections for safe and healthy workplaces, while ensuring requirements are clear and reasonable, and do not present unnecessary barriers to economic growth.

    If you have general questions about legislative requirements, or to report a workplace incident or safety and health tip to Workplace Safety and Health, please call 204-957-SAFE (7233), toll-free 1-855-957-SAFE (7233) and select ‘Option 1’ to speak to a Client Services Safety and Health Officer.

  5. Q. When is the deadline for submission?

    A. The consultation closes on July 31, 2017 at midnight.

  6. Q. Is this process confidential? How will my privacy be protected?

    A. All written submissions will be posted on the website. By making a submission, you are consenting to posting on the website. You may make your submission anonymously. Please do not include personal information in your submission. Submissions containing personal information, including personal information of Workplace Safety and Health staff, or otherwise containing inappropriate content (e.g., offensive comments or profanity), will be deleted before being posted online.

  7. Q. Will there be in-person meetings?

    A. Public consultation is being conducted online.

    Council may choose to invite submitters to meet with them if more information or clarification about a submission is required.

  8. Q. What happens after the consultation?

    A. Council’s recommendations, if any, will be provided to government following the consultation. It is possible that some of the recommendations may result in legislative or regulatory changes.

  9. Q. How are Council’s members chosen?

    A. Council members are named by government (Cabinet) after consultation with organizations that represent employers, workers and technical experts. Members have been selected because of their expertise and knowledge in occupational safety and health.

  10. Q. What is the role of the Workplace Safety and Health Branch in the Review?

    A. Workplace Safety and Health staff will provide research and technical support to Council Throughout the review.

  11. Q. Will the final recommendations of Council be passed into law?

    A. All recommendations from Council are considered by the minister; however, any legislative changes are the prerogative of government.

  12. Q. Does the Review include the operations of the Workplace Safety and Health Branch?

    A. Operations considerations may be considered to the extent that they are affected by the Act and its administration.

  13. Q. How will Council determine which suggestions for improvements make it into the final recommendations?

    A. Proposed recommendations generally reflect the consensus positions within each of the groups represented on council: workers, employers and technical/professional bodies whose members are concerned with the general purposed of the Act. Consensus across the three groups is desired but not required.

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