Evidence of Social Problem Outcome
1. Canada Labour Code
The following is an excerpt from the "Purpose of Part" section of Part II (Occupational Health and Safety Act) of the Canada Labour Code: 10
“122.2 Preventive measures should consist first of the elimination of
hazards, then the reduction of hazards and finally, the provision of personal
protective equipment, clothing, devices or materials, all with the goal of
ensuring the health and safety of employees.
2000, c. 20, s. 3.”
The 1985 Canada Labour Code is a federal piece of legislature, applying to federal employees (currently about 10% of the workforce).11 These include banks, uranium miners, airline workers, pipelines, and various economically-significant enterprises.11 It also affects 40 Crown corporations and agencies, native reserves, and the public service sector.11 Part Two of the Code regards the upholding of safety and health legislature within these businesses. 11
2. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (Ontario)
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/5/4/16543504/1368379630.jpg)
Fig. 13: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Logo
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (originally Workmen’s Compensation Board) was founded in 1997.12 The WSIB was formed following the signage of Workplace Safety and Insurance Act of 1997.12 The WSIB is run by a Board of Directors consisting of various persons of significance to the organization.12 Its main responsibilities include: “Certification of Joint Health and Safety Committee Members” (must set regulations in order to determine whether or not a committee member can be certified, to approve programs which would train workers to achieve certification, and to certify certain individuals), ‘Education and Training” (to educate employers, workers, etc. about health and safety in workplace environments), “Health and Safety Training Centres, Clinics and Safety Associations” (the recognizing of various facilities dedicated to ensuring safety and training, and clinics.12 Facilities recognized by the WSIB can be partially funded.12 If they fail to meet certain standards, funding can be partially withdrawn), Employer Accreditation (developing standards to recognize employers who abide by their regulations and are committed to the safety of their workers. The WSIB can recognize these persons).12
3. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/5/4/16543504/3423543.png)
Fig. 14: WHMIS Symbols
In 1988, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System was implemented on a federal level.13 It is designed to classify and identify various workplace hazards and provide information regarding how best to handle them.13 It classifies materials into six classes:
- Class A ("compressed gas").14
- Class B ("flammable and combustible material").14
- Class C ("oxidizing material").14
- Class D ("materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects," "materials causing other toxic effects," "biohazardous infectious materials").14
- Class E ("corrosive materials").14
- Class F ("dangerously reactive material").14
4. Canada's Working Poor: Editorial
http://ww3.tvo.org/whypoverty/info/working-poor
This
infographic illustrates the growing issue of “working poverty.”15 In 2010, 9% 0r
3 million of Canadians earned low wages.15 This number is higher for women (9.3%)
than for men (8.7%).15 This number has actually decreased over time, compared to
15% in 1996.15 The highest low income-rate belongs to BC (11.5%), the lowest
being PEI with 3.9%.15
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Click here for: Concluding Opinion