Alberta’s whistleblower protection law now in effect | Nova Scotia pharmacists to give flu shots this fall | Nova Scotia introduces new workplace safety rules
ALBERTA
Alberta’s whistleblower protection law now in effect
Alberta’s whistleblower protection law is now in effect, as of June 1. The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act, passed in the fall 2012 session of the legislature, protects public sector employees from job reprisal if they report wrongdoing.
The legislation applies to: the Alberta Public Service; provincial agencies, boards and commissions with employees; post-secondary academic institutions; school boards; charter schools; private schools that receive government grants; and public sector health organizations. Health-care professionals appointed to the medical or professional staff of a public organization, or who hold privileges with one, are also protected under the act.
Under the legislation, public sector bodies are required to appoint a designated officer at their organization to investigate and resolve complaints by employees who report:
• violations of provincial or federal law
• acts or omissions that create a danger to the public or environment
• gross mismanagement of public funds.
NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia pharmacists to give flu shots this fall
Nova Scotia is joining New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia in giving pharmacists the authority to give flu shots.
Nova Scotia's regulations also enable pharmacists to administer other drugs, such as travel vaccines, which will be paid for by customers. The regulations also give pharmacists the authority to order and interpret tests to help manage a person’s drug therapy, such as blood tests to monitor and adjust the dose of blood thinners.
The Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists is developing standards of practice for giving vaccines and drugs, and for ordering and interpreting lab tests. Once they are in place, pharmacists with proper training may choose to offer these services.
The college will also work with Dalhousie University's Faculty of Pharmacy to ensure training is available for pharmacists who need it.
Nova Scotia introduces new workplace safety rules
Beginning June 12, Nova Scotia employers need to be aware of new workplace safety rules.
Companies on a worksite with a risk of falling from a height of more than three metres must now show proof of adequate fall-protection training. Employers conducting work on roads, public parking lots and highways must have a hazard assessment and written safe-work procedure.
Nova Scotia is also making information on workplace convictions — such as the guilty parties, the offence and punishment — easier to find, on the department's website. It will be updated quarterly to increase accountability and act as a deterrent.
The province is also working with the Public Prosecution Service to pursue harsher penalties for employers with serious and repeat offences. This includes establishing a prosecutor responsible only for occupational health and safety.
Labour and Advanced Education Minister Frank Corbett has directed occupational health and safety officers to increase job-site visits in 2013, including more surprise inspections for employers with repeat violations. In 2012-13, the province conducted 2,481 job-site inspections.
The province has also introduced a public education campaign. Anyone who sees unsafe activity at a workplace is being asked to call 1-800-9-LABOUR, or to email [email protected].
