We previously discussed on the blog upcoming changes that the government of Alberta is making to the current Occupational Health and Safety Act¹Occupational Health and Safety Act, SA 2017, c O-2.1. (“Current OHSA”), which will be replaced with a new Occupational Health and Safety Act²Occupational Health and Safety Act, SA 2020 cO-2.2 [New OHSA]. (“New OHSA”). The New OHSA was introduced as part of the provincial government’s implementation of sweeping red tape reduction measures across the province.

Although it was unknown exactly when the New OHSA and revised accompanying OHS regulations would come into force, the Alberta government has now announced Alberta’s new OHSA regime will come into effect December 1, 2021.

Employers in Alberta should be aware of the extensive changes being introduced by the new OHSA regime, and ensure they are in compliance with the New OHSA laws as of December 1, 2021. In particular, the New OHSA introduces some significant revisions to OHSA laws on issues including:

• Health and safety committees and representatives;
• Potentially serious injury reporting;
• Disciplinary action complaints;
• Dangerous work refusals;
• Radiation protection laws under the New OHSA;
• Acceptances, allowances and approvals;
• Prime contractors;
• Work site party names;
• OHS directors;
• Mining and mine sites; and
• Injury reporting.

We recommend that employers consult with an experienced employment lawyer to ensure that their workplace policies and procedures are in compliance with these new OHSA laws. Some workplace policies and procedures may need to be revised in order to address changes being introduced by the New OHSA.

For more information on the New OHSA regime in Alberta, please see the Alberta government’s website here.

Carscallen LLP’S Employment, Labour and Human Rights Expertise

Whether you are an employee or an employer, Carscallen LLP’s experienced team of Employment, Labour and Human Rights lawyers can assist you. Our lawyers specialize in practical, individualized advice to help you understand your rights, duties and responsibilities as an employer or an employee.

Our team of lawyers provide tailored, proactive advice to help successfully navigate every stage of the employment relationship. We have the legal expertise to help minimize problems and disputes before they happen, as well as the ability to resolve conflict quickly and constructively when it arises.

Please contact any member of our Employment, Labour and Human Rights team if you have any questions about the new provincial OHS legislation, or other employment law questions you may have.

• 1
  Occupational Health and Safety Act, SA 2017, c O-2.1.
• 2
  Occupational Health and Safety Act, SA 2020 cO-2.2 [New OHSA].