COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Health, safety and employment standards information for new and young workers, and for their employers, supervisors, parents and teachers.
Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and revised regulations take effect on December 1, 2021. Read more about the changes to OHS laws.
Workers under the age of 25 are more likely to be injured on the job than older workers.
Learn how to stay healthy and safe on the job. Before starting:
You can’t be fired for telling your boss you think a job is unsafe.
As a worker, it’s your right to be heard. Employers want to keep their workers safe and healthy, and appreciate suggestions. It can also be a great way to gain the respect of your supervisor.
This means your employer can’t lay you off, fire you or otherwise discipline you because you refuse to do, or report, dangerous work.
If you do get laid off, fired or disciplined for these reasons, contact OHS and an OHS officer will look into the situation.
If you can’t work things out with your boss, you may decide to quit; your life is more important than any job. If you have questions, contact OHS at 1-866-415-8690.
Keep the following advice in mind when bringing up health and safety concerns with your supervisor:
If your employer still insists that you do unsafe work, here are some examples of what you can say.
Each Canadian province has a law to help keep work sites safe and healthy. In Alberta, it’s called the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Regulation and Code.
You can’t be disciplined or fired for following the rules of the OHS Act, Regulation or the Code. The OHS Act states: No person shall take or threaten any disciplinary action against a worker because that person did what the OHS Act told them to do. If this does happen to you, contact OHS.
Connect with OHS:
Phone: 780-415-8690 (Edmonton)
Toll free: 1-866-415-8690
TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton)
TTY: 1-800-232-7215
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