Sludge Watch ==> Farm Workers get Protection in New Ontario Rules

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch Admin:

Now that Ontario farm workers (not land owning farmers, just hired hands, mind) are covered by some of the most
basic labour safety laws in Ontario, Canada, maybe we will see some farm protection on those fields spread with sewage sludge.


......................................................................
Fri. Jun. 30 2006
Farm workers get protection in new Ontario rules
 
Canadian Press
 
Toronto -- For years, farm workers in Ontario lacked the most basic 
safety protections under law, but not any more.
 
The workers were specifically excluded from the Occupational Health 
and Safety Act.
Under new rules announced today, farm workers can now refuse unsafe
work.
 
They also have the right to be informed about hazards, such as 
pesticides, and be protected from them.
 
Farm accidents involving serious injury to agriculture workers will 
trigger an investigation from the Ministry of Labour.
 
Farms are among the most dangerous workplaces in the province, 
Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky said in a statement.
 
"Everyone knows that farming is a high-risk occupation,'' Dombrowsky 
said Friday.
 
"Farmers recognize the importance of safe working conditions and 
support coverage that better protects farm workers.''
 
The new regulation gives paid farm workers, both domestic and 
foreign, the same basic health and safety rights already extended to 
other Ontario workers.
 
Farms operated by self-employed individuals without paid workers will 
continue to be exempt from the act.
 
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060630/farm_safety
_060630/20060630?hub=TopStories
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