Rise in work-related deaths
The Federation of workers of Quebec (FTQ) finds the 20% rise of work-related deaths in 2005 alarming compared to the two previous years. The number has increased from 175 to 225 in two years.
If an employer, by action or omission, behaves in a way that seriously and directly compromises the health, security or physical integrity of a worker, they risk a fine of $5 000 to $20 000. These amounts have not varied since the adoption of the law 27 years ago.
However, fines make up $1 000 000 across Canada, $500 000 in Ontario and British Columbia and $250 000 in the majority of other provinces. (Study of prevention methods and participation in health-security at work in Canada, Marcel Simard, Head of the school of industrial relations at the University of Montreal, December 2000.)
Year after year, for 27 years, the FTQ has stressed the need for the application of prevention mechanisms to all industries and workplaces as envisaged in the Law on health and occupational safety: a prevention agent, a health and occupational safety committee and a true health and safety program.
“In spite of our repeated calls since the adoption of the law in 1979, some 80% of workers in Quebec are still not fully protected by the law, in particular by the prevention chapter.” Regrets Henri Massé, President of the FTQ.
Source: Federation of the workers of Quebec