The provincial government has introduced amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act to enhance health and safety on fishing vessels.

The amendments would include fishing vessels as a place of employment and require the mandatory wearing of safety devices such as life jackets or personal flotation devices for fishers while working.

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; and 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 amendments would come into effect on June 1, 2024, to allow time for the industry to comply with the new requirements.