WorkSafeNB is warning New Brunswick employers about people making misleading calls suggesting the employers' safety goods and services are not adequate under New Brunswick’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
In particular, there are recent concerns of employers being asked to replace first aid kits or take external Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training.
WorkSafeNB occasionally receives complaints about people claiming to be WorkSafeNB employees, or claiming to act on WorkSafeNB’s behalf, trying to sell goods and services. In some cases, the person tries to convince an employer to buy upgraded safety equipment from them or face fines under the OHS Act. They may also suggest that workers could be denied benefits without their training.
In other cases, the person does not associate themselves with WorkSafeNB but says that if you don’t buy their equipment, then you will not be in compliance with the OHS Act and will report you to WorkSafeNB.
WorkSafeNB does not sell any services or products. It provides its services at no additional cost to employers, workers and others, and usually communicates in writing on official letterhead or email. Any WorkSafeNB staff member who visits your workplace will have WorkSafeNB identification, which you are entitled to see.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so compensation would never be denied to a worker injured on the job because of insufficient training.
If someone contacts you saying they represent WorkSafeNB and tells you that you must buy a product or training service to be in compliance with legislation, BEWARE! Verify their identity and remember: WorkSafeNB does not sell products. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our nearest regional office or call 1 800 999-9775.
You may also file a complaint to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888 495-8501.