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Alberta strengthens safety enforcement, inspections, investigations

Pipestone Flyer

Vol 15. Issue 9, Leduc - Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer

With increased economic activity and growth forecast for Alberta, 30 new Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) officers will be hired over the next three years. They 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. 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 Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Employment and Immigration, speaking to the Edmonton Chapter of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering. “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.”

The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.