In Canada the words DUE DILIGENCE has taken on a whole new meaning. In June of 2003 Bill-C45 was taken to a new level. All organizations, companies, directors, partners, owners, and representatives are liable for the safety of the worker.

Supervisors, lead hands, team leaders, project leaders, health and safety committee members, contractors, workers, co-workers and union representatives have not come out of this untouched. Bill-C45 has placed strict liability on these members of the workforce.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Canada Labour Code safety has become both a Provincial and Federal matter.

Bill C-45 places the responsibility and liability on individuals to take every reasonable precaution for the safety of a worker.

The new bill will treat accidents in the workplace as criminal negligence and will place hefty fines and sentences on those convicted.

Individuals face fines up to $25,000.00, but with the new bill in effect individuals can now face fines up to $100,000.00.

Companies used to face fines up to $1,000,000 but under Bill C-45 the sky is now the limit.

Bill C-45 has also removed the 1 to 2 year prison sentence for an individual. Now an individual can face a life sentence as part of the Criminal Code for not taking reasonable precaution for the safety of a worker