Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

The Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, also known as the "Canada Labour Code", is a set of regulations that outline the occupational health and safety standards for workers in Canada. The regulations were enacted on March 13, 1986, to provide a framework for ensuring a safe working environment and preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.

The regulations apply to all workplaces, with some exceptions, such as employees working on trains, aircraft, ships, or in the oil and gas industry. Employers are responsible for maintaining records of employee health and safety information, providing training and instruction to employees, and ensuring that work practices conform to established standards.

Some key provisions of the regulations include:

• Definitions: The regulations provide definitions for terms such as "dangerous substance", "elevating device", "fire hazard area", and others.
• Interpretation: Section 1.3 states that these Regulations are prescribed for the purposes of sections 125, 125.1, 125.2, 126 and 146.5 of the Act.
• Application: The regulations apply to any person who is not an employee but performs activities for an employer under certain conditions.
• Records: Employers must keep and maintain records related to employee health and safety.
• Alternate Media: Where an employer or other person is required by these Regulations to give, provide or make available any information, instruction or training to an employee with a special need, the employer or other person shall give, provide or make available the information, instruction or training to the employee by means of an alternate medium.

The regulations also cover specific aspects such as:

• Permanent Structures: The National Building Code and Fire Safety Regulations are referenced for building design and construction.
• Buildings: The renovation of any building or part of a building shall meet the requirements of the National Building Code, if feasible.

Overall, these regulations aim to ensure that workplaces in Canada provide a safe and healthy environment for employees.