WorkSafeNB applauds the government for introducing legislation today that will improve safety in the fishing industry.
“The fishing industry is one of the most dangerous in the world,” said Tim Petersen, WorkSafeNB’s president and CEO. “WorkSafeNB wants to collaborate with captains and crews to ensure the industry in our province is as safe as possible. Everyone deserves to be safe at work and return home to their families at the end of the day. This legislation is an important step forward.”
The legislation proposes amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act that will include fishing vessels as a “place of employment” requiring healthy and safe workplace measures be adopted by the industry, just as with any other employer and supervisor in the province. It will also make the use of Transport Canada-approved lifejackets or PFDs mandatory on fishing vessels.
To help fishing vessel owners and captains prepare for the new legislation, WorkSafeNB has provided “man overboard” demonstrations and has dedicated resources to promote safety in the industry on its website including safety and inspection checklists. WorkSafeNB is committed to working closely with the industry to promote awareness and education, so all parties are well prepared for the new requirements.