Changes to the OHS Code

Human Services has revised its process for changing content of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code.

Updates to the Code will now be made on a five-year cycle. Previously, changes were made every two to three years.

These updates will continue to reflect feedback from workers and employers; industry, labour and health and safety associations; and members of the public, and will allow stakeholders to focus on specific areas of the Code. 

Process

1. For the first three years of the cycle, the process will see focused annual reviews of specific parts of the Code. An internal working group, comprised of OHS staff, will invite suggestions from stakeholders, review all input, and develop a formal proposal outlining any recommendations for change.
    
2. In the fourth and fifth years of the cycle, a detailed consultation will take place, followed by final recommendations.

Immediate changes to the Code will be considered if a critical issue arises. This could include a concern over a work site condition or practice that could contribute to a fatality or serious injury. Changes to the Code can also be made if revisions to other legislation that may impact health and safety are identified.

At any time, OHS welcomes suggestions for other changes to the Code and will collect this information for future consideration

The target release date of the next version of the Code is 2015.

For more information on the new process, call or email the Occupational Health and Safety Contact Centre:

• 1-866-415-8690 (Toll-free within Alberta)
• 780-415-8690 (Edmonton and surrounding area)
• Deaf/hard of hearing with TDD/TTY: 780-427-9999 in Edmonton, 1-800-232-7215 throughout Alberta
• Email