Employers in the Northwest Territories will soon have access to a new safety planning guide aimed at improving workplace safety and reducing injuries, Minister Vince McKay announced in the legislature.
The guide, set to launch in May during Safety and Health Week, will provide employers with tools and resources to help them meet legal safety requirements. It will focus on documenting inspections and incident investigations, establishing safe work procedures, and conducting hazard assessments.
“This guide will provide clear, practical tools and resources to assist employers to create or improve their safety programs,” McKay said.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) to enhance workplace safety and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Workers’ Protection Fund. McKay stressed that safer workplaces lead to fewer injuries, improved productivity, and better protection for workers and their families.
Additionally, McKay announced the launch of the Occupational Health and Safety Funding Program this summer. The program will provide funding for organizations that offer occupational health and safety services, aiming to improve access to safety education and help employers comply with safety legislation.
As part of these efforts, McKay also appointed 14 members to the Safety Advisory Committee and the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Legislative Committee. These committees will provide industry expertise and recommendations on workplace safety regulations through 2025 and 2026.
McKay emphasized that workplace safety is a shared responsibility and called for reflection ahead of the National Day of Mourning on April 28.
“Let us all reflect on our collective responsibility to protect the lives of those who work in our communities and renew our resolve to prevent further workplace tragedies,” he said.
