REGULATORY NEWS FOR WEEK OF FEBRUARY 4, 2019

• Health Canada schedules webinar for all stakeholder of the Revised In Commerce List

This invitation to Health Canada’s WebEx Information and Update session on February 28, 2019 (13:00 to 14:30) is extended to all stakeholders on the Revised ICL stakeholders mailing list.

The objective of the WebEx is to provide all stakeholders on the Revised ICL stakeholders mailing list with an opportunity to hear and learn about the current activities and on-going work on substances listed on the R-ICL.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear about activities affecting the management of substances on the R-ICL, and Health Canada’s forward plans.

Draft Overview of the Agenda

1. Key steps and accomplishments to date
2. Publication of the Final Notice to terminate nominations to the In-Commerce List
3. CEPA Section 71 survey results – Results, Analysis and Next Steps
4. On-going risk assessments of substances on the R-ICL
5. Planned publications summary
6. Strategic objectives and policies that affect the R-ICL

To reserve your place please contact Telephone: 1-877-216-1904 or 613-960-7366

E-mail: [email protected]

• Workers’ health and safety at the heart of discussions between federal and provincial labour ministers

Federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers met in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador January 30^th, 2019, to discuss important workplace issues, including occupational health and safety harmonization, harassment and violence, mental health and wage gaps.

• Ministerial Conditions and amendments to the Non Domestic Substances List (NDSL) published

Two MC’s were published and three substances were deleted from the NDSL.

• National Forum Addresses the Impacts of the Changing World of Work

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) will host Forum 2019: The Changing World of Work in Winnipeg, Manitoba from March 5-6, 2019. The Forum is a unique event that will bring together leaders, change-makers, and subject experts representing government, labour, and workplaces to share their knowledge and experience around current and emerging health and safety issues.

• Final screening assessments published for the alkyl aryl phosphites and stilbenes groups

• Ontario announces workplace inspection initiatives

Each year, the ministry schedules inspection initiatives in specific sectors to raise awareness of hazards and increase compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The ministry has released its schedule of inspection initiatives for 2019-2020.

• Ontario’s Health and Safety Training Heading to 21st Century

Ontario’s government is working for the people to reduce burdens on job creators, as well as workers by improving training programs that certify those who promote health and safety at workplaces.

• H.R. 535. PFAS Action Act of 2019 (Draft)

A bill to require the Administrator of the EPA to shall designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

• Europe proposes to restrict microplastics in all mixtures

ECHA has submitted a restriction proposal for microplastic particles that are intentionally added to mixtures used by consumers or professionals. If adopted, the restriction could reduce the amount of microplastics released to the environment in the EU by about 400 thousand tonnes over 20 years.

• Europe published restriction reports

On 30 January 2019, ECHA published the restriction reports on:

• formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers (EC -);
• octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4),
• decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and
• dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6)

• Two new reports on hazardous chemical substitution and alternative assessments released

As interest in the substitution of harmful chemicals continues to grow in industry, NGOs and the public sector, organisations are seeking guidance on the selection of appropriate methods and tools. The OECD is responding to this need.

Safety Share

• How can you protect your heart from air pollution?

EPA researchers are studying whether eating certain foods or taking supplements might protect against the onslaught of air pollution. They are also testing innovative technologies that can be used to teach people about potential risks.