Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Safety violation fines set to soar

THE province plans to substantially boost the maximum level of fines for workplace safety violations under legislation introduced Thursday.

Labour Minister Jennifer Howard said the maximum fine under the Workplace Safety and Health Act for a first offence will go up to $250,000 from the current $150,000 and that the maximum fine for subsequent offences will rise to $500,000 from $300,000.

Howard said fines for unsafe work conditions have not been changed since 1997 and are among the lowest in the country.

The higher levels were recommended by a government committee of employers, labour and health and safety experts.

Until recently, Manitoba had one of the highest workplace-injury rates in Canada.

Howard said an ongoing public education campaign seems to have resulted in fewer workplace injuries this year.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 4, 2009 A8

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