Implementing right-to-know legislation for health care workers in Manitoba: a bipartite sectoral train-the-trainer...

In October 1988, right-to-know legislation was introduced in Canada. This presented a technical and administrative challenge to the health care sector. With over 170 health care facilities in Manitoba to be brought into compliance, some large, some small, some rural, some urban, a cooperative approach was needed. A labor-management steering committee with representatives from a cross-section of facilities as well as the various health care unions was formed to design and implement a train-the-trainer program. A small-group, highly participatory modular program was developed with input from all parties, and delivered across the province by trainers selected jointly by labor and management. The program achieved its goal of assisting member facilities to implement the legislation. Follow-up surveys and discussions with health care workers showed improved understanding of labelling requirements, material safety data sheet interpretation, and requirements for hazard control. This first bipartite program empowered the health care workforce to use its newly acquired right-to-know, and has provided the incentive to implement other cooperative safety and health programs.