ST. JOHN'S - Requirements for health and safety training in the work place are being redesigned to better meet the needs of small business owners.

Originally the seminars were to take place over a three-day period where both small and large business representatives would participate in the same sessions. However, small business owners in the province have expressed concern over having employees away from the workplace for this duration. The small business sessions have since been amended to a day and a half.

Since January 1, 2002 the province has required that representatives from businesses with less than 10 employees attend a certification seminar conducted by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. Representatives are then expected to implement health and safety policies into their own working environment.

"The commission has been closely monitoring the delivery of this training since it began," says Labour Minister Anna Thistle. "The commission has listened and feels this is a workable solution and will still deliver the necessary health and safety material. This training has to work for employers and it has to work for employees, and the adjustment to the training program should now do that."

The revised programs will be available as of March 22, 2002. Businesses with 10 or more employees are still required to attend the three-day sessions.

 

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