The goal is a safer, sustainable industry through the introduction and promotion of pollution prevention principles and practices and continued refinement and enhanced delivery of occupational health and safety (OHS) programs, standards and guidelines.

The Nova Scotia Composites Environmental, Health and Safety Working Group is a voluntary effort between Nova Scotia Environment and Labour (NSEL) and manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders in the composites and FRP boatbuilding sectors. The committee is composed of individuals from the following:

• Environmental Innovations branch, ENAM Division, NSEL
• Field Services, OHS Division, NSEL
• Nova Scotia chapter, Canadian Plastics Industry Association
• Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association
• a fibreglass manufacturer (Reinforced Plastic Systems Inc)
• a resin, chemical, and equipment supplier (Ashland Canada Corp)

Nova Scotia Environment is interested in working with the composites sector for many reasons:

• to develop a cooperative model with government and industry working towards the shared goals of environment and health protection
• as an opportunity to educate this sector on applicable legislation and regulations (i.e. many industry activities do not require formal approvals so industry may be unsure how they are affected by legislation and regulations)
• because enhanced communication may reduce need for enforcement or additional regulation
• as an opportunity to gain technical expertise for best management practices
• to encourage cooperative, progressive industries to act as examples or mentors to other industries
• because voluntary actions are often more cost effective than regulatory actions

Industry is interested in working with NSEL for a number of reasons:

• as an opportunity to input into development of policies, standards and guidelines affecting this sector (advocacy)
• as an opportunity to raise awareness of upcoming issues and legislation from local and national sources (education)
• for assistance with identifying funding sources for pilot projects, retrofitting existing facilities and introduction of best management practices (assistance)

Priority areas of action include:

• identify issues of mutual concern or of significant interest to a major party
• prioritize and resolve issues on a timely basis
• meet and communicate regularly to discuss issues
• act as a steering committee for specific projects (Other members may be added for specific terms or projects with the consensus of all permanent members.)
• develop best management practices and other guidance documents
• introduce changes in a fashion that integrates environmental and health and safety concerns with economic responsibility
• develop and deliver educational programs
• publicize successes associated with this program