FAQs: Orders
1. What is an improvement order?
An improvement order is a written direction order to address a situation where a workplace safety and health law is being broken. It will explain what is wrong and what the legislation requires to comply. It will also tell you the date by which you must comply.
When SHOs observe an imminent hazard, they may order work to stop immediately, and remain stopped until the SHO is satisfied that the hazard is appropriately dealt with.
A stop work order may be issued when SHOs believe activities that could present an imminent risk of serious injury or illnesses are being undertaken or about to be undertaken at a workplace.
In certain situations, a stop work order may be issued when an improvement order has not been complied by an employer.
It is important to note that a stop work order does not always mean a safety and health law has been broken.
For example, a stop work order may be issued on a piece of equipment following a serious incident to ensure there is time to investigate the cause(s) of the incident and to conduct any inspection or testing as needed to ensure work can continue safely.
Another example where a stop work order may be issued is to prohibit a hazardous work activity not presently being undertaken. For example, a stop work order may be issued on all future renovations to a building until an inventory of asbestos containing materials has been completed.
3. What do I do after getting an order?
You need to take action to remedy the violation noted in the order. Once you have fixed the hazard, you need to notify the SHO of what was done to achieve compliance. Only the SHO can decide when an order has been resolved.
If you are not able to address the identified health and safety issue(s) by the compliance date, you must contact the SHO and explain the delay.You may request that the compliance date be extended and the SHO will determine whether to grant the extension.
Contact the Workplace Safety & Health Branch
Phone: 204-957-SAFE (7233)
Toll-free: 1-855-957-SAFE (7233)
www.manitoba.ca/labour/safety/
