The Higgs government introduced legislation on Tuesday which would require commercial fishers in New Brunswick to wear life jackets on fishing vessels.
“Working on fishing vessels can be a dangerous job which is why these changes are crucial to make this working environment as safe as possible,” said Labour Minister Trevor Holder.
“Under federal regulations, fishing vessels must have personal flotation devices on board. The provincial changes will reinforce their use as a safety measure in their work environment.”
The amendments include:
- adding fishing vessels to the definition of place of employment;
- adding a definition of what constitutes a fishing vessel;
- distinguishing the requirements for life jacket and personal flotation devices on fishing vessels from construction requirements;
- requiring the constant use of a life jacket or other personal flotation device for fishers/employees while on board a fishing vessel that does not have a deck or a deck structure.
The Transportation Safety Board had recommended the use of life jackets and urged the province to require them after two fishers drowned in 2016 near Bathurst.
‟These amendments will address a safety gap in the fishing industry and will help to protect workers from the risk of drowning,” said Holder.
‟Fishing is one of New Brunswick’s longest and proudest traditions and we want it to be safe for workers.”
Currently, WorkSafe NB has been unable to enforce life jackets since fishing vessels are not considered workplaces under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
If amendments to the law are passed, life jackets would be mandatory starting June 1, 2024 to allow time for the industry to comply with the new requirements.