Enacted on May 1, 2019, Manitoba’s Accessibility Standard for Employment is the second standard under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. It’s purpose is to remove and prevent barriers that affect current and potential members of the labour force and calls on employers to have measures, policies and practices to provide reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants.
Nearly one in four Manitobans is disabled by barriers where they work, live and play. Barriers to accessibility come at an enormous cost – to persons with disabilities, to their family and friends, to their communities, and also to business. By learning how to eliminate barriers, everyone benefits.
The first stage comes into effect on May 2020.
What do I need to do?
To ensure the safety of employees with disabilities, all employers in the public, private and non-profit sectors must comply by May 1, 2020 with the following two requirements:
- Workplace Emergency Response Information
Create emergency response information to help employees with disabilities stay safe during emergencies.
- Workplace Emergency Assistance
Ask employees who require assistance during an emergency for permission to share information with individuals who agree to help.
How do I get started?
Here’s a helpful document that outlines the requirements and provides helpful templates that can be used: http://accessibilitymb.ca/pdf/workplace_emergency_toolkit.pdf
What’s coming next?
The next requirements don’t come into effect until 2022, but requires employers to consider their processes for recruitment, offer of employment, return to work, and training, etc.
Here’s a checklist of upcoming requirements for 2022: http://www.accessibilitymb.ca/pdf/checklist_for_employment_business_npo.pdf
Source: http://accessibilitymb.ca/index.html
