Manitoba is set to enhance its regulations concerning asbestos handling to safeguard workers from hazardous exposure to the substance, which is reported as the primary cause of workplace-related fatalities in the province. Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino emphasized the necessity for more stringent and transparent guidelines during a recent press briefing, emphasizing that the focus is on prevention and ensuring the safety of individuals maintaining and repairing buildings. Under the updated regulations, individuals working with asbestos must undergo training and certification, while employers using the material are required to register with the province. Building owners will also bear greater responsibility for ensuring worker safety, according to provincial authorities.
Workers in Manitoba have until June 2027 to either pass an examination on safe asbestos handling conducted by the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba or undergo training and certification, as stated by Minister Marcelino. Training expenses per worker may vary between $150 and $950, based on a comparable model in British Columbia mandating special training for asbestos abatement tasks in buildings. Failure to register with the province by June 2027 will prohibit companies from working with asbestos.
Asbestos, extensively used in various building products in Canada for decades, was officially banned in 2018, with its usage significantly phased out around 1990. When disturbed during demolition or construction, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose serious health risks, including cancer upon inhalation.
Kevin Rebeck, president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, highlighted the historical lack of comprehensive regulations in Manitoba regarding asbestos handling, leading to inadequate safety measures for workers. As aging structures necessitate asbestos removal, the risk of exposure increases. The implementation of stricter regulations is crucial, given the potential surge in asbestos-related illnesses without proper safeguards in place.
Jeremy Carslon, president of Insulators Local 99, expressed support for the forthcoming stringent regulations, emphasizing the importance of preventing asbestos exposure not only for workers but also for building occupants. He mentioned the risks associated with friable asbestos and the need for proper containment to prevent airborne release, underscoring the health hazards posed by mishandling the material.
The Manitoba Federation of Labour highlighted instances of improper asbestos handling practices due to the absence of regulations, leading to safety concerns for workers and occupants alike. By enforcing these rules, health and safety officers will be empowered to ensure compliance and issue penalties for non-adherence, ensuring a safer working environment for all involved.
