Monthly OHS News & Updates

Feb. 2024

Coming Soon: AMHSA Digital Credentials Powered by Credly

To help you communicate your AMHSA HSE education achievements, we’ve partnered with Credly to provide you with digital versions of your credentials as you earn them. Soon, you'll be able to use our verified digital badges and micro-credentials to showcase your achievements and validate your skills with an industry-recognized credential.

We're launching our Credly program this month, with new micro-credentials in Psychological Health and Safety, beginning with Psychological Health and Safety for People Leaders.

Look for more information coming soon!

Ergonomics Coaching & MSI Prevention Webinars

AMHSA’s popular MSI Prevention & Ergonomics Coaching webinar series is back!

Register now for our upcoming monthly webinars presented by the experts at EWI Works. Each session includes a 45-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute Q&A. Here’s your chance to receive no-cost coaching and guidance from one of our professional ergonomists.

View all upcoming webinars

How to Develop an Office Ergonomics Program

February 20, 2024 (2:00 - 3:00 pm)

NEW: Aquatics Health and Safety Awareness Campaign

This February, AMHSA is launching a new awareness campaign aimed at those working in and around pool facilities.

The Aquatics Health and Safety Awareness campaign is designed to raise awareness of occupational health and safety concerns for those working in and around aquatic facilities, and to provide free and accessible resources to workers, supervisors, contractors, certified operators, and other interested parties.

Webinar 1: Identifying slip, trip, and fall hazards

March 26, 2024 (11:00 - 12:00 pm MST)

Webinar 2: Types of fall protection, including guardrails

April 30, 2024 (11:00 - 12:00 pm MST)

Webinar 3: Fall protection plan and systems implementation

May 30, 2024 (11:00 - 12:00 pm MST)

A big thank you to the Aquatics Working Group participants, industry leaders, and subject matter experts who made this campaign possible.

New Alberta Codes

The office of Provincial Fire Administrator, Community and Technical Support, Technical & Corporate Services Division, Municipal Affairs has proved the attached notice on the publication of the National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition, National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020, the link to the free download of the codes coming into force date of May 1, 2024. This Notice is also found on the Fire Codes and Standards website.

If you have questions, please contact safety.services@gov.ab.ca. or 1-866-421-6929, Attn: Fire Duty Officer for fire code inquires or Attn: Building Duty Officer for building and energy code inquiries.

Source: Alberta Fire Chiefs Association

Partner News

Canadian Standards Association

AMHSA has partnered with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to provide discounts on training, resources, and supplementary materials.

AMHSA's municipal members may also request access to a custom collection of 28 standards available at no-cost. Click here for more information.

Standards Open for Consultation

CSA standard Z412, Office ergonomics - An application standard for workplace ergonomics (open until Feb. 16, 2024)

CSA standard Z94.4, Selection, use and care of respirators (open until March 18, 2024)

New Research Papers

Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace: Employer Practices in Response to COVID-19

Preventing Violence and Harassment in Canadian Workplaces

A Canadian Roadmap for Accessibility Standards

Asbestos Management in Canada: Assessing the Need for a National Standard

Government of Alberta OHS News

The Government of Alberta has posted new or updated resources, including tips on selecting an OHS consultant and change highlights for noise exposure - part 16 of the OHS Code.

Alberta OHS has also released their 2022 annual report and infographics, which include information on workplace injury, illness, and fatality data.

Inter-jurisdictional Recognition Issued for CSA-Approved Filtering Respirators

An inter-jurisdictional recognition (IJR) has been issued for filtering respirators approved by CSA Group (CSA). Under this IJR, filtering respirators that comply with CSA standard Z94.4.1, Performance of filtering respirators, are now acceptable personal protective equipment in Alberta. This gives employers the flexibility to use filtering respirators approved by either CSA or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).Click here for more details

OHS Proactive Inspection Program

Each year, the Government of Alberta's OHS Proactive Inspection Program focuses on specific industry sectors, employers, or types of work in order to monitor compliance with legislation.

In 2023/24, OHS will be monitoring the municipal industry code 95104 - Cities. Areas of focus will include violence and harassment, musculoskeletal disorders, exposure to harmful substances, and noise exposure. OHS will also target worksite education for 9 sections of the OHS Code. Visit the OHS Proactive Inspection Program page for more details.

WCB-Alberta News

WCB-Alberta has released their 2024 seminar schedule. Register now for upcoming disability management and return to work seminars.

Policies Open for Consultation

Industry Custom Pricing (ICP) automatic re-polling: A revision to Policy 07-02, Part II, Application 7, is required to allow us to confirm an industry’s ICP participation and program options on a regular schedule. (Open until March 11, 2024)

Policy 01-08 Reconsiderations, reviews, and appeals: WCB-Alberta reviewed Policy 01-08 to ensure it clearly reflects the intent of the policy. (Open until March 11, 2024)

Policy Updates

Annual policy updates have been made for 2024 cost-of-living adjustments, maximum compensable earnings, and mileage, meal and clothing allowances. WCB-Alberta has also released their updated 2024-2026 Policy Project Plan.

WCB-Alberta News

WCB-Alberta has released their 2024 seminar schedule. Register now for upcoming disability management and return to work seminars.

Policies Open for Consultation

Policy 01-08 Reconsiderations, reviews, and appeals: WCB-Alberta reviewed Policy 01-08 to ensure it clearly reflects the intent of the policy. Click here to review and provide feedback. (Open until March 11, 2024)

Policy Updates

ITF Association

The January 2024 edition of the ITF Association newsletter is now available.

Upcoming Training

Rural First Responder Mental Health Support

First responders are subjected to upsetting, disturbing, difficult and sometimes traumatic incidents on a regular basis. That’s why a FREE, comprehensive, evidence-based mental health services program is available to fire and rescue, paramedics, emergency health care workers and police services personnel working in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities in Alberta.

Register now for one of our upcoming virtual sessions or contact us to arrange in-person or virtual sessions for your team.

Upcoming open virtual courses

February 12 & 13

March 5 & 6

April 16 & 17

May 28 & 29

July 9 & 10

September 10 & 11

For all open courses, day 1 runs from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, day 2 runs from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

Looking for specific training?

View our course calendar for upcoming open courses or visit our eLearning store for self-paced training.

Don't see what you're looking for? View our course list to see training options and contact us to schedule learning events for your organization, or to be placed on a waitlist for upcoming open training opportunities.

Email us at safety@amhsa.net or call 587-952-2268.

2024 Auditor Training

Obtain or maintain your certification and learn more about psychological health and safety audits. All training is offered virtually.

Health & Safety Management Systems

Mar. 5-6, May 15-16, or Sept. 4-5

Health and Safety Auditing

May 28-29, or Sept. 17-19

Audit Refresher

Apr. 11

SECOR

May 22

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Contractor Health & Safety Mgmt. Systems

March 22, April 4, May 16

Flag Person: General - May 9

HS Committees & HS Representatives

March 8, April 10, or May 6

Leadership for Safety Excellence

Feb. 12-13 or Sept. 12-13

OHS Act, Reg. & Code Overview - April 8

Supervisor's Role - Feb. 23

Upcoming Events

Better Workplace Conference

AMHSA is excited to sponsor The Conference Board of Canada's 27th annual Better Workplace Conference. Join us February 26-28, 2024 for three days of captivating keynote speakers, panel discussions, and best practice showcases.

We're happy to have our Executive Director, Craig Hrynchuk speaking at the conference on February 28. Join us for Session D1 - Evaluating Psychological Health and Safety, to discuss best practices for tracking and measuring the effectiveness of psychological health and safety programs, and organizational preparedness for implementing new standards.

Secure your spot and use code BWC24COUNCIL50 for preferred ticket rates.

Interested in learning more about psychological health and safety? Look for AMHSA's Psychological Health and Safety eCertificate coming soon! Or visit PHSaudit.ca to learn more about assessing your organization's psychological health and safety management system offerings.

Upcoming Event Resources

February 28, 2024 is Pink Shirt Day! This event is to raise awareness for anti-bullying initiatives across Canada. The original Pink Shirt Day was held in Berwick, Nova Scotia as a response to bullying experienced by a grade 9 student. Since 2007, Pink Shirt Day has spread across Canada and is now held annually on the last Wednesday in February.

AMHSA is proud to support this meaningful event and the incredible work of anti-bullying organizations like Pink Shirt Day - CKNW Kids' Fund and Pink Shirt Day Canada - WITS. Beginning February 21, you’ll see posts on our social media, forums, and website promoting Pink Shirt Day and providing resources and links to events.

International Women's Day (IWD) is March 8, 2024 - this year's theme is #InspireInclusion. We invite you to join AMHSA in supporting equity, inclusion, and gender parity in the workplace. Visit InternationalWomensDay.com for IWD resources or Women Building Futures to see how you can support women in Alberta.