Alberta updating OHS Code, ‘modernizing it to reflect today’s practices’: Minister
December 19, 2022
By
OHS Canada
(Rita Petcu/Adobe Stock)
Alberta is making changes to its Occupational Health and Safety Code that will take effect on March 31, 2023.
The province said the changes will update the code and make it easier to understand. This is the first time since 2009 the code has been significantly updated, it said.
“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,” said Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development.
Changes to the code align with best practices, modern standards and technology, and keep Alberta in line with other Canadian jurisdictions. In making changes to the code, Alberta’s government focused on the parts that required the most immediate updates.
Updates to the OHS code 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.
There are eight areas the are changing as of March 31, 2023. Here’s a quick review.
Overhead power lines and electrical utility workers
The requirement for employers to notify an overhead power line’s owner before work is done or equipment is operated near it remains unchanged.
However, revised wording now clarifies that employers must notify the applicable “electric utility, rural electrification association, or industrial power producer.”
Previous wording did not reflect the fact that not all power lines are owned by electrical utilities.
It also omits the word “energized” when describing overhead power lines.
“All overhead power lines must be assumed to be energized, in accordance with the utility industry’s standard,” it said.
See full changes to Parts 17 and 40
Oil and gas wells
Most of these changes involving removing duplication, streamlining or revising wording to improve clarity and intent, it said.
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 inspection and repair of leased equipment with employers who lease the equipment.
Noise exposure
The threshold for conducting a noise exposure assessment is being reduced from 85 decibels to 82 decibels. This is to ensure noise is assessed before the occupational exposure limit is exceeded, it said.
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.
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.
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.
Explosives
At press time, this resource was being developed and no information was available.
Mining
At press time, this resource was being developed and no information was available.
Miscellaneous amendments
See list of miscellaneous amendments.
