New Industrial Manslaughter Law for Canada

By CCH's OHS

Canada has enacted industrial manslaughter legislation, under which corporations and bosses can be liable for criminal negligence in the workplace.

The "Westray Bill", so-called because of a mining accident in Westray Coal Mine, Nova Scotia that killed 26 miners in 1992, amends the Criminal Code of Canada to hold corporations, their executives and directors liable for criminally negligent acts in the workplace. United Steelworkers director Lawrence McBrearty said the passage of the bill was a victory for workers. Hassan Yussuff, Secretary treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress said that it was a great initial step forward.

(OHS: CCH"s occupational health and safety magazine; February-March 2004)