Documents McGill University. Faculty of Law 2 results

"In the face of the extensive changes resulting from the Post-Industrial Age, many are questioning "the gifts of the chip," or, more specifically, the ability of computer technologies to deliver the comfort predicted. The objective of this thesis is to examine the law's response to computer technology concerning occupational health and safety. This inquiry is necessary due to the dramatic changes that have occurred in the workforce, altering the profile of workplace health. The thesis begins with a reference to The Gift of Stones, a fictional account of the difficulties that stone workers experienced when the Bronze Age arrived. Modern labourers face parallel struggles due to the arrival of the Post-Industrial Age characterized by technological innovation and restructuring. The legitimacy and effectiveness of occupational health and safety law is challenged by changes to social institutions and by computer related work injuries. In many jurisdictions, the state has responded to these changes by enacting ergonomic standards that seek to minimize the harmful effects of computer use. The thesis examines the trend towards ergonomic standards with particular focus on Canadian initiatives. In conclusion, it argues that ergonomic regulations are an important means of promoting safer computer practices. Additionally, ergonomic standards provide a mechanism for continued state regulation of occupational health and safety. The challenge for rule makers is ensuring that the standards are a component of comprehensive legal reforms."

"Corporations are among the dominant contributors to climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, they could still become champions to turn the ship around. With great power comes great responsibility. The emphasis on profit maximization led carbon majors to be one of the main contributors to climate change. Additionally, globalized and multi-level production and trade have led to concerns for human rights in business processes. Furthermore, the in-action of big techs in addressing mis/disinformation in their platforms has led artificial intelligence to destabilize democratic discourses. The planetary crisis, modern slavery, and democratic erosion propelled Academy fellows and faculty to respond with urgency. As the TBLSA Impact Paper puts forth, business law and finance offer effective avenues, such as the purpose-driven business model and the revaluation of asset management, for a just transition which takes into account climate justice, more meaningful transparency, and algorithm accountability so long as public and private actors implement the concrete policy recommendations proposed in this brief."