OHS Code Changes ImminentNew Occupation Health and Safety (OHS) code changes are coming into effect March 31, 2023. Back in December 2022 in a special edition of the OHS eNews, the Government of Alberta announced it would be implementing changes to parts of the OHS Code. These changes will require employers across Alberta to review and update their health and safety manuals, as well as various other safety program elements to align with this change. The Federation Health and Safety Working Group is working on updating the Health and Safety Management System Manual and program elements to align with this update. Notification will be provided to Members once the new 2023 Health and Safety Management System Manual and program elements are ready for download. To learn more about the upcoming changes, click on https://ohspubstore.labour.alberta.ca/upcoming-legislation-changes. |
Incident 1Description: Employee was traveling on a highway with a truck and trailer (loaded with a backhoe) at approximately 4:30pm - just after sunset. The truck and trailer was driving in a straight line on a gradual incline for approximately 15km when the trailer suddenly began swaying side to side causing the trailer to break loose from the pintle hitch. This resulted in the loaded trailer breaking the safety chains and sliding into the ditch on its side (extensive damage to backhoe). The truck ended up in the opposite ditch, however it was not damaged. No injuries occurred as a result of the incident. Road conditions were extremely icy and visibility was poor due to driving in the dark.
|
Incident 2Description: A work truck was hauling a newly purchased trailer with a skid steer on it along a secondary highway. The ball hitch broke and the trailer disconnected from the truck. The trailer went into the ditch and was stopped by the snow. There was damage to the back of the truck, the safety chains and the trailer wiring. There were no injuries and no damages to other non-Co-op vehicles on the road.
|
Safety Chat Group (Quarterly)Next meeting on Thursday, April 13 @ 9:30 am If you would like to attend, please send an email to bwood@fedgas.com and a Teams meeting invite will be forwarded to you for the next upcoming Safety Chat. Or click the link below on the scheduled date and time |
Voluntary Information Sharing SystemThe Voluntary Information Sharing System is online, with a chance to win a $250 Gift Card! All companies that shared information using the voluntary information sharing system will be put into a random draw for a chance to win a $250 gift card of their choice for their organization.
Information shared using the system will be used to help develop safety bulletins and guide safety newsletters which will be distributed to Member Utilities for prevention purposes. All identifying information will be strictly confidential. |
HSMS Manual Updates |
|
Federation H&S Working GroupNominations Now OpenH&S Working Group Members gain valuable experience when it comes to safety committee formatting and processes. Being involved in the formal review of safety initiatives and documents gives members valuable insight into what goes into continuously improving a health and safety program. |
|
Safe Digging MonthApril is Safe Digging Awareness MonthAs per Utility Safety Partners (Formally known as Alberta One-Call), each year Albertans pay more than $350 million to repair damages caused when homeowners and contractors dig without knowing what is below. There is also potential for an even higher cost; contact with an underground utility can result in severe injury and death. All ground disturbers (contractors, homeowners and landowners) can save time and money - and keep themselves and our communities safe - by following ground disturbance and buried facility damage prevention Guidelines and Best Practices. Ground disturbance Guidelines and Best Practices include but not limited to:
3 working days advance notice required. Locates are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated by owner/operator.
Refer to COP 2.15.3, SOP 3.3.23 and THA 223 in the Federation HSMS templates for additional information. |
April 28 Marks Day of MourningMarked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy.
|
Pre-Built HSMS Templates and Safety Program ElementsAbility to download and edit pre-built H&S manual, safe job procedures, safe work practices, hazard assessments, ERPs and much more |
H&S Newsletter (March, June, September, December)Quarterly newsletter sent out to Membership on behalf of the H&S Working Group which includes various OHS updates, initiatives and relevant safety information |
Resources Section of H&S WebsiteAbility to review, download and revise various OHS resources. This section includes safety videos, info sheets, posters, useful links, pre-built ERP tabletops, pre-built HSMS orientations and more |
Safety BulletinsIssued on behalf of the H&S Working Group on a regular basis to spread prevention awareness between Members. All information is shared confidentially |
Safety Chat GroupOpportunity to meet quarterly with the Federation H&S Specialist and other H&S Representatives from various Members to discuss safety and share valuable information collectively for the betterment of Members |
Voluntary Information Sharing SystemOpportunity to submit safety information for the benefit of the Membership. Information shared using the system will be used to develop safety bulletins and guide safety newsletters which will be distributed to Members confidentially for prevention purposes |
Audit Your Health & Safety ProgramRequest a safety audit of your safety program that will identify strengths/weaknesses in your current HSMS program against an approved standard. The audit will provide feedback that identifies areas of improvement and strategies to strengthen these areas |
H&S Working GroupThis group meets monthly and works on many actions that will benefit members, some of which include updates and revisions to the HSMS templates, developing H&S newsletters, facilitating safety initiatives and much more |
Access to Support and Advice From a Dedicated Safety ProfessionalAbility to ask questions or get advice from the H&S Specialist anytime H&S Specialist is part of the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) - OHS Committee. Relevant information is relayed to Members via H&S newsletters, safety bulletins and safety chats |
All Federation H&S Services and Correspondences are available in the H&S section of the Federation website To schedule safety services or for general assistance, please contact the Federation H&S Specialist by email bwood@fedgas.com or by phone (780) 220-9351 |