New Occupational Health and Safety Act in effect as of June 1, 2018 with industry specific rules being rolled out December 1, 2018
The Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act
In response to the original tabling of Bill 6, producer groups from across the crop and livestock sector met on January 22nd, 2016 to develop a unified approach to farm safety. Now known as the Alberta Agriculture Farm and Ranch Safety Coalition (AgCoalition) have been one of the stakeholders that have worked closely with the Government of Alberta to develop safety rules that increase worker protection and reflect the nature of work on farms and ranches. The consultation has lead to changes in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
The OHS act sets the minimum standards for protecting waged, non-family farm, and ranch workers. On December 1, 2018 these workers will have similar safety protections as other agricultural workers across Canada. These changes modernize the rules and address workplace hazards, safety training, and maintenance of equipment, while at the same time includes provisions that are unique to the agriculture sector, specifically modified rules for farms and ranches to reflect the unique nature of agricultural work. As with all OHS laws, these rules do not apply to family members, neighbours helping neighbours, or farm kids helping out with chores and participating in 4-H. For information on all the OHS rules for farms and ranches, click here. If you have specific questions, call 1-866-415-8690 or email farmandranch@gov.ab.ca.
AgSafe
The industry-led safety association that provides resources on farm safety and works with agriculture employers to build on the sector’s safety culture. Additionally, AgSafe provides guides and templates on topics such as hazard management, confined spaces, and emergency response. For more information or to book a farm safety visit with an AgSafe advisor, click here.
Employment Standards Webinars
Alberta Labour is offering free webinars to provide interactive information on Alberta employment standards rules and responsibilities. There is limited space available and you must register in advance. To register or learn more, click here.
July 5, 2018
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Title: General Holidays, General Holiday Pay, and Vacations
July 19, 2018
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Title: Averaging Agreements
July 25, 2018
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Title: Hours of Work and Pay
July 31, 2018
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Title: Rules for the Construction Industry
July 31, 2018
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Title: Overview of changes to Employment Standards
For enquiries, please contact:
Allison Hansen
Policy Analyst
allison@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com