June 29, 2017
Municipal Safety News
"Under the hot summer sun, make safety priority number one. " – Anonymous
Message from the Executive Director
After a long, cold winter, we are happy to say summer is finally here! Even though it’s nice to have the warmer climate, organizations tend to be more vulnerable to workplace safety accidents during the summer months.

This is especially true for those employees between the ages of 15 and 24 hired during the summer. Approximately half of the accidents happen during the first six months in a new job. Additionally, this age group of workers tend to perform more physically demanding jobs than adults and can encounter unsafe work conditions or hazards by doing repetitive work, dealing with heavy loads, and working with tools and machinery. Often times, the work is done unsupervised.

It is important for supervisors to plan for proper training for the tasks at hand so that seasonal employees may safely perform their jobs. Young workers tend to lack awareness about workplace health and safety and their rights. They may also lack the confidence to assert their rights. It’s a good time to ask: who performs the health and safety training in your organization? Do you have policies in place when it comes to employing summertime workers? If so, do your employees know what those policies are? Studies show that through prevention education activities and training, attitudes and behaviors can be transformed to improve the health and safety of
young workers.

At AMHSA, we want all employees to be safe. Please take the time to review your policies and training to make sure everyone is safe at work.

Have a great summer, and please be safe this long Canada Day weekend!

Jim Moroney IHT, BSC, CRSP, CSP
Executive Director
AMHSA News
Meet the 2017-2018 AMHSA
Board of Directors
The AMHSA Board of Directors are a group of individuals who are passionate about occupational health and safety, and represent various municipalities and interests from
across Alberta.
AMHSA Addresses Mental Health with Upcoming Course
Mental health continues to be an important discussion among Alberta employers, including municipalities. With the desire to understand mental health, municipalities are taking steps to implement resources that help both employer and employees address mental health issues.

We are pleased to announce that AMHSA will be offering in the near future, Mental Health First Aid, a course from the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Read more...

Also, check out this Rescuing First Responders from PTSD by the WCB.
Get Your Seasonal & Summer Employees Ready with AMHSA Courses

*Prices do not include GST.
Online courses: for best results, use Internet Explorer 8 (or newer),
or Firefox browsers, and current version of java installed.

With a focus on young workers, Pool Safety provides learners with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards in swimming pool settings. 
AMHSA is proud to co-host RUSA's 44th Annual Health, Safety, & Utility Conference & Trade Show, Dec. 4-7, 2017
Municipal Moments

Safety Council Meetings


ACSC - June 2017 Meeting
On June 6 2017, AMHSA facilitated the Alberta Cities Safety Council (ACSC) hosted by the City of Leduc, AB. The meeting consisted of updates from PIR including PIR Rebates and Worker Stories, as well as updates from WCB-Alberta and various municipal members.

To view his report and all accompanying municipality reports, visit our
ACSC Meeting Minutes page.


SASC - Thursday, September 28, 2017

The next Southern Alberta Safety Council (SASC) meeting takes place:

Date:Thursday, September 28, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: County of Newell, AB

RSVP: Invitations will be sent out during summer 2017. Deadline to RSVP is September 21, 2017.


NASC - Needed: Host Municipality for Upcoming Meeting!

Are you interested in hosting the next Northern Alberta Safety Council meeting in late September or early October 2017 in your northern municipality? If yes and you are able to accomodate, please contact Executive Assistant, Terri. To learn more about Safety Council Meetings, please visit our Safety Councils page.
Audit Dispatch
Calling all auditors!

The June 2017 edition of the Auditor Update is now available and contains important information for all AMHSA-certified auditors. Highlights include:

  • 2016 audit workbook and resources
  • New and recertifying auditor training
  • 2017 external audit scheduling
  • Reminders for report-writing

Click http://conta.cc/2unFcWK to view online or visit our website for more information.

For questions or comments regarding changes to AMHSA’s COR program, contact Shannon Thomas.
To subscribe to AMHSA’s Auditor Updates, click here, or email krystal@amhsa.net.
OHS Report

WHMIS 2015 Transition Timelines
for Suppliers
Originally posted by CCOHS.ca, Volume 15|Issue 5

On Friday May 19, 2017, Health Canada announced that they are delaying two of the WHMIS 2015 transition timelines.

The two new deadline dates affect suppliers who are manufacturers and importers and suppliers who are distributors and those who import for their own use.

Specific WHMIS requirements for any jurisdiction can also be found at WHMIS.org.


Read full article...
WCB Policy Updates & Changes

On June 6, 2017, the following change was made to the Policies and Information Manual:

  • Policy 04-02 and Policy 05-02 – Concurrent Conditions
    The Board of Directors has approved changes to these two policies, expanding and clarifying the circumstances in which cost relief may be considered when a worker’s period of disability is prolonged because of a concurrent condition.


On June 27, 2017, the following change was made to the Policies and Information Manual:


  • Policy 04-06 – Prescribed Opioid Analgesics (Narcotics)
    The Board of Directors has approved changes to Policy 04-06, Part II, Application 4, to reflect the new Standard of Practice on  Prescribing: Drugs with Potential for Misuse or Diversion


Policies and Information Manual last updated June 27, 2017. For more information about policy changes and updates, policy development and legislation,
visit wcb.ca.

Upcoming Events

2017 Calendar

  • September 17-20: CSSE Conference,
    Halifax, NS (    website) AMHSA-sponsored
  • October 19-21: 41st Annual AUPE Convention, Edmonton, AB (website)
  • October 24-25: 7th Annual Western Canada Emergency Services Leadership Seminar, Leduc, AB (website) AMHSA-sponsored
  • October 26-27: 16th Annual Health & Safety Conference & Trade Fair, Banff, AB (website) AMHSA-sponsored
  • November 22: AUMA Convention & AMSC Trade Show, Calgary, AB (website)
  • December 4-7: RUSA Conference & Trade Show, Red Deer, AB (website)
    co-hosted by AMHSA
 
Register for AMHSA Courses





Did you also know ... AMHSA offers
the option of online courses customized
for groups?

Contact our Corporate Office for more information and
for a list of approved courses!
To request or register for a course, please contact our Corporate Office.

Want more info? Check out our FAQ or email safety@amhsa.net.


 *Prices do not include GST. 

For best results, use Internet Explorer 8 (or newer), or Firefox as your browser, and the current version of java.

Respond Correctly & You Could Win a Cool Summer Prize Package!
enter_win_heavens.jpg
What age group is most at-risk for on the job accidents?
(Hint: answer's in this Municipal Safety News!) 
Submit your answer by liking our FB page and leaving a comment with the correct response! Not on Facebook? Send your response to Communications with, "Summer Contest", in the subject line. This contest runs until July 14, 2017.
Winners are chosen randomly and contacted directly.