Alberta Makes Changes to OH&S Code that takes effect March 2023

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Brian Jean, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development advises that: “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.”

While seeking to keep up with other Canadian jurisdictions, these changes will include harmonizing language, reducing duplication and adopting best practices in the eight updated parts. The changes will give employers and workers the tools they need to build healthy, safe workplaces.

The following blocks of changes are expected:

1 Overhead power lines and electrical utility workers

Revised wording now clarifies that employers must notify the applicable “electric utility, rural electrification association, or industrial power producer.”

2. Oil and gas wells

One of the changes is that the prime contractor, or the employer if there is no prime contractor, must provide site-specific orientation to a worker before that worker comes onto the worksite for the first time. The requirements of the orientation are set out in the new provision.

It also states that employers and suppliers must keep records of inspections and repairs for equipment. And suppliers are required to share information related to the inspection and repair of leased equipment with employers who lease the equipment.

3. Noise exposure

The noise exposure assessment threshold is being reduced from 85 decibels to 82 decibels. It said this is to ensure noise is assessed before the occupational exposure limit is exceeded.

There is also a requirement to ensure workers are fit tested for the hearing protection devices they use and wear and that testing must meet the updated CSA Z.94.2-14 (R2019) standard.

4. Managing control of hazardous energy

Changes include clarifying work site responsibilities to align with the OHS Act, streamlining wording to improve clarity and removal of duplication in requirements.

This includes, for example, flexibility in cases where the equipment may need to remain in operation but can be made safe without turning it off.

5. First aid

Key changes include harmonizing workplace first aid requirements with the rest of Canada and flexibility in implementation, it said.

Effective March 31, 2023, first-aid training providers will be required to update course names to align with CSA national standards.

First-aid kits will be required to meet CSA Standard Z1220-17. Some contractors may require additional items in order for kits to meet the new standards, it said.

6. Explosives

This resource was being developed at press time, and no information was available.

7. Mining

At press time, this resource was being developed, and no information was available.

8. Miscellaneous amendments

View full list of miscellaneous amendments on OHS Alberta official website here: https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/lh008

Blog Source Credit: https://www.ohscanada.com/features/alberta-updating-ohs-code-modernizing-it-to-reflect-todays-practices-minister/