OHS dates of interest

Bell Let’s Talk Day is traditionally on the fourth Wednesday of January. This initiative is designed to spread awareness of mental health issues through social media and supports anti-stigma, care and access, research and workplace leadership. Psychological hazards are a significant workplace health and safety concern. Please visit our OHS Resource Portal for information materials on psychological health and safety in the workplace.

If an employer dispatches a worker, Alberta OHS considers that driving to be work-related. A vehicle used for work purposes while away from the work site (such as when being driven to deliver a parcel or being driven to another office) is itself considered a work site. For this reason, the hazard assessment requirements apply to such vehicles, whether they are personal or work vehicles. Learn more about vehicles as work sites on the OHS Resource Portal.  
 

If an employer dispatches a worker, Alberta OHS considers that driving to be work-related. A vehicle used for work purposes while away from the work site (such as when being driven to deliver a parcel or being driven to another office) is itself considered a work site. For this reason, the hazard assessment requirements apply to such vehicles, whether they are personal or work vehicles. Learn more about vehicles as work sites on the OHS Resource Portal.

Pink Shirt Day encourages Albertans to be inclusive, welcoming and supportive with colleagues, clients, friends and family. Getting involved is easy. Wear your pink shirt, take a photo and share it on social media with the #PinkShirtDay hashtag.

Harassment and violence is a workplace hazard and may range from disrespectful remarks to physical aggression. Addressing harassment can prevent acts of bullying and harassment from progressing to acts of physical violence. Learn about Violence and harassment in the workplace on OHS Resource Portal.

The International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day is promoted by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Does your work involve repetitive tasks? Awkward postures? Forceful exertions? These hazards contribute to musculoskeletal injuries. Learn more about ergonomics on the OHS Resource Portal to identify and control hazards to protect yourself.

March 3 is World Hearing Day promoted by the World Health Organization. Hearing loss is preventable when effective controls and protections are in place. See Alberta’s OHS Resource Portal for OHS Code that outlines specific requirements for noise control and hearing protection in the workplace.

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week takes place in mid March and is promoted by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association.

Farms and ranches with at least one waged, non-family worker are covered by the basic health and safety standards set out in the OHS Act. Farms and ranches with joint health and safety committees or health and safety representatives must comply with specific rules for committees and representatives in the OHS Code. Learn more about health and safety on Alberta farms and ranches in the OHS Resource Portal. 

Global Asbestos Awareness Week in the first week of April is promoted by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. 

Asbestos can be released during demolition, renovation and disposal activities, and can have adverse health effects on unprotected workers. Before demolishing a building or other structure, employers are required to remove any materials that may potentially release asbestos fibres. Learn more about chemical hazards on the OHS Resource Portal. If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos at work, you should Report an OHS concern and contact your doctor.

National Volunteer Week, is the third week of April.

Under OHS law, most volunteers are considered workers. This means they have all of the same health and safety rights and responsibilities as other workers under OHS legislation. Learn more on the OHS Resource Portal.

Each year, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning promoted by the  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. It is a day dedicated to remembering workers who lost their lives through work-related illness and injury. Each loss has a profound impact on families, friends, employers and co-workers. For more information on ways to prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities, visit the OHS Resource Portal.

May is Sun Awareness Month promoted by the Canadian Dermatology Association. It's a month to highlight sun protection and skin cancer prevention. Sun exposure is a workplace hazard too. Employers and workers can take steps to stay safe. Learn more in the OHS Resource Portal.

Safety and Health Week is promoted by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in the second week of May.

This week focuses on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community. To learn more about workplace injury and illness prevention, visit the OHS Resource Portal.

Canadian Mental Health Week during the second week in May is promoted by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Commemorate mental health week by addressing psychosocial hazards in your workplace. You can learn more by watching our webinar on Safe Minds, Safe Work or accessing our resources on psychosocial hazards on the OHS Resource Portal.

Kid's Farm Safety Week promoted by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association takes place in the third week of May. 

The OHS Resource Portal has more information about Health and safety on farms and ranches.

June is Commercial Vehicle Safety Month. This is a reminder to commercial drivers to pull over when feeling tired, be alert to the actions of other drivers, complete proper trip inspections, check for load securement and ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. For more safety tips and information about Commercial Vehicle Safety Month, visit the OHS Resource Portal, or Saferoads. 

Brain Injury Awareness Month is promoted by Brain Injury Canada. 

Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury in Canada. Slips, trips, and falls are a frequently overlooked and less noticeable cause of concussions and brain injuries at work. Learn more about slips, trips and falls on the OHS Resource Portal.

June 27 is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day.

The most recent workplace injury, illness and fatality statistics show that post-traumatic stress disorders were the most common psychosocial hazard work-related injury. Learn how Alberta's government is funding research and services for prevention and early intervention against post-traumatic stress injuries through the first responders mental health grants.

The United Nations General Assembly declared June 27 as Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day to celebrate the work of small businesses.

Small businesses face unique health and safety challenges and small business resources can be found on the OHS Resource Portal.

July 15 is the United Nations World Youth Skills Day to celebrate young people and highlight the skills they need for success, particularly in the workplace.

Alberta OHS offers a number of resources for young workers, as well as their parents and employers. For more information, visit the young worker category of the OHS Resource Portal.

If an employer dispatches a worker, Alberta OHS considers that driving to be work-related. A vehicle used for work purposes while away from the work site (such as when being driven to deliver a parcel or being driven to another office) is itself considered a work site. For this reason, the hazard assessment requirements apply to such vehicles, whether they are personal or work vehicles. Learn more about vehicles as work sites on the OHS Resource Portal.
 

BeGrainSafe Week takes place in the third week of August. This public safety campaign is part of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association’s BeGrainSafe program, which provides prevention education, rescue training, and on-site workplace training to heighten awareness about grain hazards.

The association has infographics and safety advice articles with information on how to be safe around grain. Alberta also offers resources in the OHS Resource Portal.

The United Nations recognizes August 12 as International Youth Day. 

Workers under the age of 25 are more likely to be injured on the job than older or more experienced workers. Learn how to stay healthy and safe on the job. Visit the OHS Resource Portal for health, safety and employment standards information for new and young workers.

With students heading back to school, it’s the right time for employers and workers to refresh their focus on safe driving. As traffic increases and school zones become busier, keeping road safety in mind is important for all. 

Learn more about safe driving practices for work on the OHS Resource Portal.

World First Aid Day is September 13.

The location, number of workers and hazards of the work site determine what`s needed in a workplace first aid kit and how many workers trained in first aid are needed at the work site.

On World First Aid Day, become more prepared to help by learning more about first aid in the workplace in the OHS Resource Portal.

Alberta Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Day on September 28 honours Alberta's fallen officers and recognizes families, friends and colleagues who have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one. There is no higher form of public service than to risk one’s life to maintain public safety. 

Police officers along with firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders or emergency personnel endure significant stress and trauma in their line of duty, resulting in higher rates of post-traumatic stress injuries compared to the general population.

The Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders grant program has 2 separate funding streams. 

• Services for nonprofits providing direct support for workers living with or at risk of post-traumatic stress injuries.
• Researchers engaged in applied research that generates evidence on prevention or intervention for first responders and emergency workers living with or at risk of post-traumatic stress injuries.

October is Global Ergonomics Month. 

Find best practices and other information for prevention of injuries to ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves in the ergonomics section of the OHS Resource Portal.

Tell your employer as soon as you notice musculoskeletal disorder symptoms arising from work, such as pain,
tenderness, reduced motion or swelling.

October is Small Business Month. 

Statistics show that these businesses experience higher injury rates compared to larger organizations.

Take advantage of free resources on the OHS Resource Portal, specifically developed to support small businesses in implementing occupational health and safety (OHS) measures in the workplace.

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness promotes World Sight Day on October 9.

Eye protection is a common type of personal protective equipment (PPE). To learn more about PPE, review the Hazard assessment and control handbook on the OHS Resource Portal.

The World Health Organization promotes World Mental Health Day on October 10.

Employers must protect workers’ mental health at their work sites by eliminating or controlling psychosocial hazards. 

See psychosocial hazards on the OHS Resource Portal to learn how to identify, eliminate, and control psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

November is Fall Prevention Month.

Falls are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. Learn how to identify slip, trip and fall hazards and keep your workplace safe through our OHS Resource Portal.

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction promotes National Addictions Awareness Week in the last week of November.

The OHS Resource Portal has information regarding employer, supervisor and worker requirements related to workplace impairment.

The final Saturday in November is Small Business Saturday. 

The OHS Resource Portal supports small business owners by providing free resources to develop healthy and safe practices for the workplace, as well as information about legal compliance requirements.