Alberta government to review occupational health and safety system

Journal of Commerce | OH&S |  by JOC NEWS SERVICE  | 

EDMONTON – The Alberta government is launching a review of the province’s health and safety system, which has not been revamped since 1976. Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act sets minimum standards for workplace health and safety and lists the roles and responsibilities of both employees and employers.

The review will examine the OHS Act as well as enforcement, education, engagement, prevention efforts and compliance.

The province stated in a news release the review will also “clarify employer and worker responsibilities, improve worker engagement and maintain Alberta’s strong focus on illness and injury prevention.”

“Alberta workplaces and the nature of Albertans’ work have changed significantly during the past 40 years. We need to make sure the province’s laws and best practices are helping keep Albertans safe at work,” Alberta minister of labour Christina Gray said in a statement.

The review will include roundtable sessions with employers, employees, health and safety associations and academia as well as an online survey and written submissions.

Albertans can complete an online survey at alberta.ca/ohs-review and can send written comments and submissions to lbr.review@gov.ab.ca until Oct. 16.