The province is closer to hiring a prosecutor who will focus on occupational health and safety.

The Department of Labour and Advanced Education and the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service worked together to create the position, and its scope.

The job is posted nationally and the application deadline is March 18.

“There are still far too many people not returning home from work,” said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. “This additional prosecutor will help address a very serious situation, and adds to the province’s efforts to improve workplace safety and keep Nova Scotians safe on the job.”

“This will ensure that workplace accidents with serious injuries or death will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted where warranted,” said Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lena Diab. “This sends a strong message to all those who contemplate any action or inaction that might end in workplace tragedy.”

The province recently announced it will hire 12 additional staff for its safety division, including inspectors, engineers and a division focused on education and compliance. The province is also working with industry to identify and target high-risk companies with poor safety records, and will be working with police to share information on safety training and inspections.

Last year in Nova Scotia, there were 34 workplace fatalities; 17 from sudden injury or illness, and 17 long-term injury or illness.

Source: Release