UPCOMING EVENTS
Safe Digging Awareness Month (April 2024)
As 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 province 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:
- Ensure locate is completed and valid for the area in advance of any ground disturbance project or activity,
- Waiting for the buried facility locates to be done,
- Respecting the locate marks,
- Exposing any conflicting buried facilities before using mechanical excavation equipment and digging with care,
- If task is near an area deemed to be high risk, it is recommended a review of the locate and hazards associated be completed with the excavator/contractor prior to ground disturbance.
Note:
3 working days advance notice required.
(Defines minimum number of days in advance of a digging project that you need to notify the one call center of your intent to dig.)
Locates are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated by owner/operator.
(the maximum period of time the locate marks [paint, flags, etc.] are valid while they are maintained and clearly visible. Determined by regional legislation and best practices).
The Federation of Alberta Gas-Co-ops Ltd. fully supports Safe Digging Awareness Month and encourages all ground disturbers to always Call or Click Before You Dig.
Safe Digging - Click Before You Dig – YouTube Video (Click Here)
Click Before You Dig Website (Click Here)
Refer to COP 2.15.3, SOP 3.3.23 and THA 223 in the Federation HSMS templates for additional information.
National Day of Mourning (April 28)
Marked 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.
The National Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.
How to Support
Traditionally on April 28th the Canadian flag has flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. Employers and workers have observed Day of Mourning in a variety of ways over the years. Some have lit candles, laid wreaths, worn commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and paused for a moment of silence.
We encourage organizations, communities, and individuals to consider holding or supporting a virtual event, or simply pause at 11:00 am on April 28 for a moment of silence. These acts of remembrance help to honour the lives lost or injured due to workplace tragedy.
Safety and Health Week (May 6-11, 2024)
- Safety and Health Week (Formerly known as NAOSH Week)was first launched in June 1997. During the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks, workplace safety within the boundaries of all three nations was discussed by each country’s labour department representatives. Canada’s representative at these talks was familiar with Canada’s COHS Week (CSSE’s Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week) and suggested to his Mexican and American counterparts that their countries may wish to become involved in a similar endeavor. It was agreed that CSSE would adopt the North American concept and implement it in place of the Canadian Week, and it was deemed the proprietor and governing body.
How to Support:
- Promote Safety and Health Week throughout your organization. Try to build anticipation by promoting the event. Be as inclusive as possible in your promotion—you may need to consider multiple types of promotion if you have employees who work offsite,
- Consider launching a recognition program to reward health and safety suggestions,
- Consider creating a company safety calendar with reminders and tips,
- Consider implementing a safety at home campaign that focuses on emergency preparedness and health & safety requirements for routine tasks,
- Complete training sessions on seasonal topics and general awareness for safety program components (ex: return to work, incident reporting, emergency response, etc.)
Safety Leadership Award 2024
The FEDGAS Safety Leadership Award recognizes a Federation Member for their commitment and contribution to enhancing/protecting safety in their workplace, in their community and/or the natural gas industry.
Award winners are recognized as:
- A safety role model,
- A “teacher” of safety,
- An outstanding safety leader,
- A Member who’s contributions have resulted in the prevention of injury or loss,
- A Member who always goes the extra mile to help others reach their safety goals,
- A Member who actively participates in activities, initiatives or dialogues that seek to promote natural gas industry safety goals at the company, industry & community levels.
The successful recipient will demonstrate:
- Improved member organization performance and/or overall industry performance in health and safety,
- Strengthened safety culture and/or enhanced the industry’s public safety image and reputation,
- Resulted or will result in results showing a positive impact on the health and safety of workers, customers and/or the public.
Winner receives the following:
- Safety Leadership Award winner plaque,
- $500 pre-paid MasterCard/Visa gift card for their company,
- Picture when receiving the award during the FEDGAS convention.
An application can be made by an individual or group or someone familiar with the contribution, provided the individual or group agrees with submitting the application.
Award to be presented during the AGM/Convention with all Members present.
or
Go to the FEDGAS Website to submit nomination online (see below).
H&S Program Awareness Course
H&S Program Awareness and Implementation Course is being created to orientate Member Utility Health and Safety Representatives on various health and safety requirements in the province of Alberta.
Topics will include:
OHS legislation/OHS law |
Employer responsibilities |
Worker responsibilities |
Incident investigation |
Training/orientations |
Hazard assessment & control |
Reporting requirements |
Inspections & maintenance |
Return to work programs |
Emergency response |
Contractor management |
Leading vs. lagging indicators |
Loss causation models |
HS Committees & HS Reps. |
Program administration |
Course Objectives:
Prepare attendees to administer and maintain their own health and safety management system (HSMS).
Attendees will learn:
1. Awareness of OHS Legislation and loss causation models,
2. Understand main components of a HSMS,
3. Awareness of WCB and return to work programs,
4. Awareness of health and safety roles and responsibilities,
5. Strategies and resources to help administer and maintain a HSMS,
6. Awareness of regulatory reporting requirements (WCB, OHS),
7. Awareness of contractor management programs and requirements,
8. Understand worksite inspection process and requirements,
9. Understand emergency response plan requirements,
10. Awareness of incident investigation process and root cause analysis.
Benefits:
- Deeper understanding of H&S program requirements,
- Learn strategies needed to implement and maintain H&S programs,
- Obtain resources to aid with implementing and maintaining a H&S program,
- Increased levels of OHS compliance throughout Membership,
- Reduction in operational OHS risk exposure and 3rd party consulting reliance.
Timeline:
- Announce the new course to Membership at the 2024 Federation Convention,
- Begin to offer course in the 2025 FEDGAS training course calendar.
Safety Chat Group (Quarterly)Next meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 @ 10:00 am
WCB Representative to present:
If you would like to attend, please send an email to bwood@fedgas.com Or click the link below on the scheduled date and time |
Health & Safety Updates |
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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. |
2023 HSMS Manual Available for Download
HSMS Manual has been updated to align with the March 31, 2023 OHS Code update.
Call or email the Federation H&S Specialist if you have any questions relating to the updated sections. 780-220-9351 or bwood@fedgas.com.
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 |
H&S Site Visits In person H&S gap analysis of your current Health & Safety Program with specific recommendations and/or suggestions to help strengthen your Health & Safety Program. |
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. |