Effective September 1, 2025, important updates to Nova Scotia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act will come into effect – And many small businesses may not be aware of them yet. If your organization doesn’t have an HR team, you’re not alone. The uptreeHR team is here to help you stay informed! 

What’s Behind the Changes? 

In September 2024, the Nova Scotia Legislature passed the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act (Bill 464). This legislation introduces several updates to the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act, aimed at creating safer, more respectful workplaces. One of the more significant changes is the requirement for all Nova Scotia employers to establish and implement a policy “respecting the prevention of harassment in the workplace” by September 1st, 2025. 

This requirement applies to all employers, regardless of size or industry. While larger organizations may already have such policies, many small businesses and non-profits do not. That’s why it’s important to start preparing now. 

What Should the Policy Include? 

At this point, the government has not yet released any clear regulations that outline what needs to be included in the policy. However, officials have stated that more information will be available by mid-summer. The definition of harassment is expected to align with what’s already outlined in the Workers’ Compensation General Regulations. 

What Should I Do Now? 

1. Stay Informed – Watch for updates from the Province this summer. 
2. Start Drafting – Once the requirements are released, begin drafting your policy. 
3. Plan for Implementation – Writing the policy is just the start – You’ll also need to put it into practice. This usually means sharing it with staff, holding a brief training or info session, answering questions, and collecting acknowledgments. 
4. Get Support – If you’re unsure how to write or implement a policy, consider working with an HR consultant or legal advisor. 

Need Help? 

If this feels overwhelming, book a free consultation with us! Our team of seasoned HR professionals will work closely to help you understand what is required and guide you through the process. 

Addy Smith, is a Human Resources Partner with uptreeHR Inc, a trusted human resources partner for small to medium-sized businesses. Addy and the team are based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.                                                                                         

To book a complimentary 30-minute consult with the uptreeHR team, click here.