Alberta strengthens safety enforcement, inspections, investigations

Thirty new occupational health and safety (OHS) officers will be hired over the next three years in Alberta, according to the province's Minister of Employment and Immigration Thomas Lukaszuk.

The officers will conduct on-the-spot inspections of Alberta companies, educate employers and workers on OHS legislation and investigate serious incidents.

In addition to the 16 officers hired in the 2010-11 fiscal year, another 10 will be added for each of the next three years. By 2014, the province will have 132 OHS officers, a 55 per cent increase from the 86 officers in early 2010.

Over the coming weeks, occupational health and safety enforcement, inspections and investigations in Alberta will be divided into three regions instead of two, said the government. The traditional regions of north and south, divided near Red Deer, will become north, central and south, providing a greater focus in northern Alberta — the site of major economic activity, particularly in the oil and gas, and construction sectors.

“This will further reinforce my resolve to ensure compliance of the OHS Act and enforcement where needed,” said Lukaszuk. “I hope this sends a strong message to any company or worker in Alberta who feels the law doesn’t apply to them. That’s 132 officers delivering a message that no company, no individual is above the law.”