Causing Death or Injury in the Workplace is Now a Crime CLC Canada NewsWire
The Canadian Labour Congress welcomes the news that Royal Assent was given to Bill C-45, also known as 'the Westray bill'.
'This is a long overdue victory for workers and their families all across Canada,' said Hassan Yussuff, secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress. 'It is now the law of the land that corporations and their principals will be held criminally liable for negligence causing death or injury in the workplace.'
Law arising from Westray mine disaster casts wide criminal net for companies By COLIN PERKEL CP
Among other things, the law - which is to receive speedy royal assent at a formal ceremony - makes organizations criminally liable for actions by 'senior' members even if they aren't directors or executives.
It also imposes a legal duty on anyone who directs work - including employers - to take reasonable measures to protect the safety of employees and the public.