On November 27, 2017, the Government of Alberta introduced Bill 30: An Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Working Albertans for first reading in the Legislature. The Bill proposes amending both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workers’ Compensation Act. According to the Government of Alberta, Bill 30 will update Alberta’s framework for preventing occupation illness and injury, better protect the fundamental rights of workers, and modernize the WCB system to be more worker-centered and feature greater independence, transparency, stakeholder engagement and accountability.
For a list of specific changes proposed through the Bill include, click here.
Some of the Municipal Impacts
The AAMDC is aware that the changes proposed in Bill 30 could have significant impacts on both employees and employers, including municipalities. This includes, but not limited to:
- Increased responsibilities for worksite safety
- A requirement for establishing a Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committee (JWSHSC) at work sites with more than 20 employees
- A requirement that employers and/or prime contractors at a site with 19 or fewer employees must involve workers in hazard assessment and control
- New regulations on lump sum payouts for long-term injuries and fatalities
- Owners of sites are equally responsible as Prime contractors for worker safety
- New rules for the accident fund and assessment related to the WCB
The government has not yet calculated the financial impacts of these legislative changes, but it is likely WCB rates and other employer costs will increase. The Government of Alberta projects that the cost of implementing the change will be approximately $94 million.
Members are encouraged to review the Bill 30 overview for more information.
Enquiries may be directed to:
Matt Dow
Policy Analyst
780.955.4094
Kim Heyman
Director, Advocacy & Communications
780.955.4079