Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: Government Changing the Professional Engineers Act to Help Improve Workplace Safety; May Impact Some London and Area Manufacturers

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 16, 2013) - On September 1, 2013, the Government of Ontario will repeal section 12.(3)(a) of the Professional Engineers Act, which previously allowed individuals to oversee or carry out certain professional engineering work without having a P.Eng. licence.

The repeal will mean that all professional engineering work on industrial equipment and machinery will need to be under the oversight of a licensed professional engineer. This change will bring Ontario in line with the rest of Canada, and enhance the workplace safety programs of businesses. Ontario averages more than 100 workplace fatalities in the manufacturing sector each year, approximately half the Canadian total. Compared to other provinces in 2011, Ontario recorded double the fatalities of Quebec, quadruple those of BC and close to 10 times as many fatalities of Alberta.

Professional engineers have the education and training to design and oversee the most complex manufacturing processes - efficiently and safely - and furthermore are held accountable to the public for the quality and safety of their work.

This repeal will close existing safety gaps and provide the accountability that will help to ensure a healthier and safer workplace. On Wednesday, April 17^th , at a meeting organized by the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, Marisa Sterling, P.Eng., of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), will discuss the new licence requirements for engineering work done by employees on industrial equipment or machinery that produce a product for their employer in their employer's facilities, and what manufacturers can do to become compliant.

With the support of government, PEO is conducting province-wide information sessions to inform and assist Ontario-based manufacturers in adjusting to this change. These sessions are a part of PEO's comprehensive transition strategy, which includes a one-year transition period and an investment of $1.2-million in offsets to licensing fees for those affected in Ontario's manufacturing industry.

PEO encourages London and area manufacturers to attend the April 17 information session, and learn more about how the repeal may have an impact on their businesses, and what assistance is available.

About Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)

Through the Professional Engineers Act, PEO governs over 80,000 licence and certificate holders and regulates professional engineering in Ontario to serve and protect the public. It fulfills the same role for engineering as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario does for medicine and the Law Society of Upper Canada for law. Professional engineering safeguards life, health, property, economic interests, the public welfare and the environment. Professional engineers can be identified by the P.Eng. after their names. Visit www.peo.on.ca.