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2005 November Report of the Auditor General of Canada

November 2005 Report—Chapter 1

Exhibit 1.5—There is a lack of compliance with key areas of the Canada Labour Code, Part II

Canada Labour Code, Part II requirements

What we found

Employees must

 

  • report injuries

Accidents and hazardous occurrences are not reported consistently, and there is no mechanism to ensure compliance.

Employers must

 

  • investigate, record, and report all accidents and other hazardous occurrences

Accidents and hazardous occurrences are not reported consistently to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), and there is no mechanism to ensure compliance.

When accidents and incidents are investigated, there is limited analysis of causal factors and associated costs.

  • keep and maintain health and safety records

There are discrepancies between information that is reported internally to the RCMP on accidents and hazardous occurrences and information that is reported to HRSDC.

  • provide employees with the information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety at work

A CD on the responsibilities of employees for Part II of the Code was developed and it is mandatory that employees review it. However, according to the RCMP's national occupational health and safety training statistics, only 32 percent of officers have reviewed the CD.

In addition, only 35.5 percent of peace officers have requalified in first aid, and 14.5 percent in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This can put the safety of both peace officers and the public at risk.

  • ensure that supervisors and managers are adequately trained in health and safety and are informed of the responsibilities for this part of the Code

A CD on the responsibilities of managers for Part II of the Code was developed, and it is mandatory for managers to review it. However, according to the RCMP's national occupational health and safety training statistics, only 65 percent of managers have reviewed the CD.

  • Ensure that the health and safety at work of every person they employ is protected

The RCMP has acted on each of the identified 17 risk areas (health and safety related hazards). However, we are concerned about the limited results for the risk areas reported in paragraphs 1.47 to 1.53 of this chapter. Of particular concern are two issues:

  • Access to back-up—peace officers may be exposed to dangerous situations without available back-up. While corrective actions were to be taken in 2002, the RCMP is only now developing a draft policy.
  • Failure to comply with pistol requalification.