Minister Mostyn issues statement on workplace safety measures

Minister Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:

“Workplace safety is an issue that impacts all Yukoners and something to which I am deeply committed to. As the Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board (WSCB), I am part of an organization focused on working with employers and workers to prevent workplace injuries.

“WSCB does this through training, inspection, compliance investigations and by providing compensation, service and support to Yukoners injured on the job. I’m proud that we have achieved many successes that benefit both Yukon employers and workers.

“And, that work continues every day. We are always seeking to improve the health and safety of Yukoners. Last week, I attended the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL) Minister’s Meeting alongside federal, provincial and territorial counterparts where we collaborate on common issues in workplaces across Canada.

“We discussed a range of emerging safety and prevention topics. In particular, we focused on the challenges women and nonbinary people face with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the workplace. PPE that doesn’t fit properly is a hazard. This equipment is often designed for men. For women and smaller workers, this presents serious dangers on worksites. It also limits the inclusion of women and nonbinary people in the trades and other sectors. Ministers agreed to raise the issue of PPE with manufacturers, employers, and workers in our jurisdictions. I look forward to creating other opportunities to discuss this issue as the Yukon’s minister responsible for the labour file.

“We also discussed the impacts of gig economy platforms on our labour market and safety efforts. As DoorDash and Skip the Dishes are now operational in the Yukon, the ministerial-level discussion around regulating occupational health and safety protections and labour standards for workers in the gig economy and other non-standard employment circumstances, were especially useful.

“Integrating these new platforms and ways of doing business into our territory takes a balancing of important considerations, including promoting business development, ensuring fairness in setting compensation rates and protecting the health and safety of employees. It’s essential we continue to evolve with expanding fields as safer workplaces, and more business opportunities are a win-win for all Yukon’s workers and employers. 

“Our meeting concluded with Ministers reiterating our commitment to working together to support fair, safe, healthy and inclusive workplaces. It was also good to speak with our colleagues across the country about the Yukon’s successes, especially in areas where we are leading the nation.

“One of those areas is paid sick leave. During the pandemic, the Yukon led the country in providing paid sick leave to those Yukoners who lacked such coverage at work. When the pandemic ended, our Liberal government extended our progressive sick leave program. It provides Yukoners with up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per 12-month period at no cost to the employer. We just celebrated the first anniversary of that paid sick leave rebate program. The expanded rebate program is one of a suite of programs we are offering to make life more affordable for Yukoners while supporting employers, allowing them to provide more benefits without incurring extra costs.

In December 2023, WSCB created an online fillable Employer Payroll Report form, after hearing for many years from employers that it would be more convenient to submit these forms online rather than on paper. We’re seeing the majority of employers completing and submitting these forms online, a great example of how technology can help to reduce red tape.

“As I reflect on this meeting and all the measures we are taking to improve safety for workers and businesses, while making life easier and more affordable, I’m excited about what our progressive Liberal government has accomplished so far. We are committed to implementing policies that support fair, safe, healthy and inclusive workplaces in this beautiful territory we call home.”