The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) Sector Council Project was established in 2007 to promote and support the development of sector safety councils in the province.

The NLFL’s support of sector councils is founded in the inclusive long-term goal of establishing sound prevention and return-to work-practices that result in safe workplaces for our province’s workers.  The establishment of not-for-profit sector councils comprised of balanced representation from key labour and employer industry groups is an important strategy to achieve this goal.

Prior to the commencement of the project, only one sectoral council operated in the province representing the construction industry – the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association (NLCSA). Since its inception, the NLCSA has made significant advances in health and safety training and programs - thus helping to build safer workplaces.  The goal is to assist our affiliates, where there is interest, to establish additional councils.

Project success requires working collaboratively with all stakeholders. To this end, the NLFL Sector Advisor where appropriate, works with the Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Commission and the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council to facilitate joint stakeholder consultations.

Efforts in the forestry industry led to the establishment of the Forestry Safety Association Newfoundland and Labrador (FSANL) in June 2009.  Current efforts are focused on stakeholder consultations in the municipal sector.

For further information on the Sector Council Project, please contact Sharon Walsh at the NLFL office.