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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Workplace Safety

Province announces updates to Occupational Health and Safety Code

Dec 16, 2022 | 2:53 PM

Updates to Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code are expected to make regulations easier to understand while offering better support for Alberta workers and employers.

After extensively consulting with employers, workers and health and safety professionals, Alberta’s government says it will be implementing changes to parts of the Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code). The changes will take effect on March 31, 2023.

According to the government, an updated and easier-to-understand OHS Code will help employers keep workers safe, build workplaces that support jobs, attract investment and grow Alberta’s economy.

“Maintaining healthy and safe workplaces is a critical part of the renewed Alberta Advantage. We’re modernizing the OHS Code to reflect today’s best practices, and this is a huge step towards my goal of making sure every Albertan returns home safely at the end of the day,” says Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development.

Provincial officials say it is critical that regulations keep pace with Alberta’s modern workforce. They note this is the first time since 2009 the OHS has been significantly updated, and the initiative is said to have received overwhelming support from partners across industries.

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Changes to the code are also said to align with best practices, modern standards and technology, and keep Alberta in line with other Canadian jurisdictions.

In making changes to the code, Alberta’s government says it is focused on the parts that required the most immediate updates.

“Collaboration between government and industry is vital to ensure legislation meets the unique needs of forestry operations and better protects our workers. Quick action by Jobs, Economy and Northern Development to keep health and safety standards up to date, not only safeguards workers but opens the door to a productive, economic future,” states Jason Krips, president and chief executive officer, Alberta Forest Products Association.

Officials say updates to the OHS code include harmonizing language, reducing duplication and adopting best practices in the eight updated parts. The changes are expected to give employers and workers the tools they need to build healthy, safe workplaces.

“AMHSA believes that it is important to have pragmatic evidence-based health and safety standards. OHS legislation that reflects best practices and available new technologies supports the achievement of physically and psychologically safe workplaces for both workers and employers,” says Craig Hrynchuk, executive director, Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association and OHS Prevention Initiative steering committee member.

Alberta government key facts

• The code is a regulation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and contains the detailed technical requirements for controlling health and safety hazards at workplaces.
• Alberta’s government consulted extensively with employers, workers and health and safety professionals, including using technical working groups and an online public survey.

– In spring 2021, the online public survey received more than 1,200 responses. Respondents represented a variety of groups including employers, industry, labour, workers, and health and safety professionals.

– OHS professionals overwhelmingly (86 per cent) approved the changes.

• A three-year review plan is now in place to chart out which parts of the OHS Code will be reviewed next and to ensure the OHS Code is kept current.