Bill C-45

Bill C-45 is federal legislation and became law on March 31, 2004. The Bill established new legal duties for workplace health and safety, and imposed serious penalties for violations that result in injuries or death.

Bill C-45 added Section 217.1 to the Criminal Code of Canada.  Bill C-45 establishes a legal duty for all persons “Directing the work of others” to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of workers and the public.  This includes Federal, Provincial, Municipal Governments, Corporations, Private Companies, Charities and non-governmental Organizations.

Questions;

  •  Criminal Code of Canada vs Occupational Health and Safety Laws?
  •  Can my company/employees be charged Criminally and Civilly?
  •  What types of offences can be targeted?
  •  How does substance abuse in the workplace tie into Bill C-45 and Section 217.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada?
  •  What can Safe Sober Secure do to assist in a safe workplace and limit my Company’s liability?
  •  How important is it to put substance abuse safeguards into play for Company personnel before an incident takes place?
  •  Can Safe Sober Secure help my employees feel safe to report incidents of concern before they become statistics and evidence in a courtroom?
  •  What are the advantages in educating employees and management on safe/sober work practices in a proactive lecture/seminar format?
  •  Why should my Company consider conducting it’s own Investigation into incidents of concern?
  •  Why should my Company have a distinct, separate outside reporting system in place for my employees?
  •  Does my Company have a moral responsibility to protect my employees?
  •  Is my Company’s present Drug/Alcohol program enough?