Monthly OHS News & Updates

Sept. 2023

Vital WCB-Alberta Information for Cities

On August 23, 2023, Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta (WCB-Alberta) notified members of the Cities 95104 industry group regarding an upcoming vote on participation in the Industry Custom Pricing (ICP) program. ICP is an optional WCB-Alberta program that allows industries to customize various features of their pricing program and premiums. Cities have participated in the Waiving Cost Relief option of the ICP program since 2010. Members from the industry have asked for a re-poll to determine if the industry group should revert to standard pricing or remain in ICP. WCB-Alberta has provided a 30-day voting window, closing on September 23, 2023.

WCB-Alberta sent information letters to each affected municipality on August 23, 2023. If you are included in the Cities (95104) industry code and you have not received your polling letter, please contact WCB-Alberta (icp@wcb.ab.ca or 780-498-3999).

As your industry representative, AMHSA is hosting a virtual webinar to support your municipality with information, awareness, and an opportunity to ask questions prior to the voting deadline. Join us September 13, 2023, from 2:00-3:00 pm for a presentation from guest speaker James Wilson, Director of Risk Management, WCB-Alberta, who will provide an overview of the ICP program and the impacts of a decision to remain in ICP or return to standard pricing. Following the presentation, we will open the floor to questions.

Unable to attend? The presentation portion of the webinar will be recorded, please email communications@amhsa.net for access.

For all questions, please contact WCB-Alberta: icp@wcb.ab.ca or 780-498-3999.

Ergonomics Coaching & MSI Prevention Webinars

We're back! AMHSA's monthly no-cost Ergonomics Coaching & MSI Prevention webinars return this fall. Don't take back pain sitting down, learn to prevent musculoskeletal injury from the experts at EWI Works.

Job Demands Assessments

Sept. 21, 2:00-3:00 pm

Office Ergonomics

Oct. 17, 9:00-10:00 am

Ergonomics in Cold Weather

Nov. 21, 2:00-3:00 pm

Ask an Expert

Dec. 14, 9:00-10:00 am

UNB Health & Safety Program Tuition Giveaway

Time is running out to enter the AMHSA/UNB Occupational Health and Safety Program Tuition Giveaway

Submit your entry by 11:59 p.m. MST, October 1, 2023 and you could win free tuition to enrol in your choice of UNB’s online Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety program (a retail value of $6,545) or the online Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety program (a retail value of $6,450)!

Please note: to enroll in the diploma program, the winner will need to meet the prerequisite requirements.

The contest is open to all Alberta municipal members who currently work or are interested in the Occupational Health and Safety field. The winner will be announced in November.

Enter Now!

OHS Resources

The Government of Alberta has posted new resources related to reporting workplace health and safety incidents and noise at the worksite.

Upcoming Conferences

Its fall conference season! Come visit our tradeshow booth at these upcoming events:

CPHR-Alberta Annual Hybrid Conference - Evolve 23, Sept. 12-13, 2023 (virtual booth)

Alberta Municipalities 2023 Convention & Tradeshow, Sept. 27-29, 2023

Western Cities HR Conference, Oct. 4-6, 2023

RMA 2023 Fall Convention & Tradeshow, Nov. 6-9, 2023

Do you have an event you'd like to see us attend? Email us at communications@amhsa.net.

WCB-Alberta News

Policy Consultation

WCB-Alberta is updating their multi-year policy project plan. Provide your feedback until October 3, 2023.

Changes to Roadside Worker Safety Rules

Beginning September 1, 2023, drivers must slow when passing any roadside vehicles or workers with flashing lights.

If you are driving in the lane closest to any stopped roadside vehicle with flashing lights, you must move to the far lane (if possible), or slow to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit (whichever is lower).

In addition, drivers must not pass a snowplow when the view alongside the snowplow is obstructed, when passing would impede operation of the snowplow, or when passing cannot be done safely.

Failure to comply with these roadside safety rules could result in fines and demerits.

For more information visit alberta.ca/roadside-worker-safety.aspx

Upcoming Training

ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Training

ISO training is scheduled for this fall!

The intent of ISO 45001 is to provide participants with a high-level understanding of the important issues that can affect an organization’s occupational health and safety management system, either positively or negatively.

Gain or maintain professional competencies as an auditor, understand the requirements of ISO 45001:2018, learn risk-based approached to OHSMS, earn professional development points (if eligible), and evaluate organizational readiness for ISO certification.

ISO 45001:2018 Understanding the Requirements – October 11-12

ISO 45001:2018 Internal Auditor – October 25

ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor – October 26

HSMS, Audit & Audit Refresher

Health & Safety Management Systems

October 4-3, 2023 (virtual)

Audit Refresher

October 3, 2023 (virtual)

To register, email audits@amhsa.net or call 587-952-2268.

Mental Health Issues, Rehabilitation and Return to Work

Presented in partnership with Pacific Coast University and pre-approved for CEC hours.

In this disability management course, a brief overview of mental health issues in the workplace is provided along with a more in-depth focus on stress and depression. Participants will explore symptoms, treatments and disability aspects of stress and depression and strategies for assisting individuals with return to work.

Click to register now for Oct. 17

Upcoming Events