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Where do I report unsafe working conditions? What happens once I make a complaint?
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Please report all unsafe working conditions to Workplace Safety and Health Division (WSHD) client services officers at 945.6848 or toll-free at 1.866.888.8186. You may ask to remain anonymous if you wish.
You will need to provide the name and address of the employer and any other important information about the unsafe condition(s), so that WSHD can look into the issue.
Client services will provide your report to a WSHD officer who will then investigate the concern by visiting the workplace or contacting the employer. Remember – you can ask to remain anonymous when you call.
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How do I reference the Act and Regulations in my safety materials?
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Proper documentation and references are an important part of your safety materials.
To reference a specific part of the Act, you can simply state the rule (for example: “All workers on the job site must wear proper protective footwear.”) and then say “in accordance with SECTION NUMBER (SUBSECTION) of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act.
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Must I allow a safety and health officer into my workplace if they show up for a surprise visit or inspection?
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Yes, by law you must allow an officer into your workplace if the officer has reason to believe there is a harmful or unsafe condition on the premises.
According to 24 (1) of the Act, an officer may enter without a warrant and without prior notification and take with him any other person, equipment or materials required for assistance.
While on-site, the officer may also examine or investigate as necessary to determine the cause and particulars of any incident or ill health incurred by a worker and take pictures, measurements or any other samples as evidence.
More information on allowing entry and what can be expected on a visit can be found here.
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I am new to safety – where can I get help?
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We are always happy to help you prepare yourself to efficiently and effectively make your workplace safer.
You can educate yourself by looking around this website and exploring the resources and program materials.
You can also call WHSD Client Services 204.945.6848 to be linked with a person who can provide you more specific information, if needed.
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What kind of fines do you administer?
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WSHD may recommend a company or individual be prosecuted for contravening the Act or regulation, however, the final decision to lay charges and to recommend the amount of the fine to the court, rests with the Crown Attorney (Department of Justice). Fine amounts may vary according to the particular circumstances of the case.
WSHD may issue an administrative penalty when a safety and health officer is of the opinion that a company or individual is in willful non-compliance with an improvement order. The officer must provide evidence of non-compliance to the deputy minister of the Department, who can then issue a written notice setting the amount of the fine to be paid.
More information on recent prosecutions can be found here.