Table of contents

Overview

We are reviewing the Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code). It’s an opportunity to improve health and safety outcomes for workers and streamline requirements to reduce unnecessary administrative burden.

The OHS Code is a regulation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) that had not been extensively updated since 2009. Proposed updates to the code will reflect how workplaces are changing and consider new best practices, standards and technological advances.

Albertans will be engaged to provide feedback over multiple phases on proposed updates. The OHS Act requires government to publish a plan to review the OHS Code every 3 years.

Engagement status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

    Changes from the latest engagement take effect March 31, 2023. Additional engagement opportunities will be available in the future.

Who is listening

Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development

Key priorities

Proposed changes to the OHS Code will:

  • reflect current health and safety best practices
  • remove duplication and reduce administrative burden
  • align the OHS Code with other provinces, where applicable

Get informed

Input received

Albertans shared feedback on the first group of OHS Code parts through an online survey in 2021 and helped inform OHS Code changes that will take effect on March 31, 2023.

Review phases

  • Annual priority reviews

    • Issued OHS allowances, approvals, acceptances and recognitions.
    • Accepted OHS recommendations from public fatality requirements (if any).
    • OHS items in current work plan under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
    • Correction of errors and modernizing language.

  • 2020-22

    • Part 4: Chemical hazards, biological hazards and harmful substances
    • Part 6: Cranes, hoists, and lifting devices
    • Part 10: Fire and explosion hazards
    • Part 11: First aid
    • Part 13: Joint work site health and safety committees
    • Part 15: Managing the control of hazardous energy
    • Part 16: Noise exposure
    • Part 17: Overhead power lines
    • Part 18: Personal protective equipment
    • Part 20: Radiation exposure
    • Part 33: Explosives
    • Part 36: Mining safety
    • Part 37: Oil and gas

  • 2023-24

    • Part 27: Violence and Harassment
    • Part 33: Explosives (continuation)
    • Part 36: Mining (continuation)
    • Occupational exposure limit (OEL) review

  • 2024-25

    • Part 3: Specifications and Certifications
    • Part 4: Chemical Hazards, Biological Hazards, and Harmful Substances, including review of OELs
    • Part 6: Cranes, Hoists and Lifting Devices
    • Part 10: Fire and Explosion Hazards
    • Part 18: Personal Protective Equipment
    • Part 26: Ventilation Systems
    • Part 28: Working Alone
    • Part 34: Forestry

  • 2025-26

    • Part 2: Hazard Assessment, Elimination and Control
    • Part 3: Specifications and Certifications
    • Part 4: Chemical Hazards, Biological Hazards, and Harmful Substances, including review of OELs
    • Part 7: Emergency Preparedness and Response
    • Part 12: General Safety Precautions
    • Part 14: Lifting and Handling Loads
    • Part 24: Toilets and Washing Facilities
    • Part 26: Ventilation Systems
    • Part 28: Working Alone
    • Part 30: Demolition
    • Part 32: Excavation and Tunneling
    • Part 34: Forestry
    • Part 35: Health Care and Industries with Biological Hazards

Contact

Connect with the OHS Code review:
If you have questions, suggestions for upcoming OHS Code review topics or have identified errors with the legislation, contact [email protected].

Last updated: December 15, 2022