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Bow River Law’s YouTube channel offers clear, accessible legal insights on employment issues affecting Albertans. We’ve curated a list of five informative videos that discuss common concerns about Safety and OH&S in Alberta’s workplace, presented by our team of experienced employment lawyers.
What Is Occupational Health & Safety?
Speaker: Chris Jones, Employment lawyer and partner at Bow River Law
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) refers to the framework of laws and regulations designed to promote workplace safety in Alberta. These laws establish the responsibilities of employers to maintain a safe work environment and outline the corresponding rights of employees. The OH&S regime defines both employer obligations and employee protections to ensure workplace hazards are properly addressed.
What Is the Occupational Health & Safety Act?
Speaker: Joel Fairbrother, Employment lawyer and partner at Bow River Law
The Occupational Health and Safety Act serves as the primary legislation governing workplace safety standards in Alberta. It sets out key definitions, general responsibilities, and legal obligations for all workplace parties. The Act also outlines fundamental worker rights and establishes the framework for health and safety protections across the province.
S1 E39: Who Should I Talk to if My Boss Wants Me to Do Unsafe Work?
Speaker: Sarah Coderre, Employment lawyer and partner at Bow River Law
Employees in Alberta have a legal right to a safe workplace under Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Employers are required to identify workplace hazards and take appropriate steps to eliminate or reduce associated risks. When an employee believes work is unsafe, they have the right to refuse that work.
If the concern is not resolved, a complaint can be filed with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. An officer may issue a work refusal order and conduct an investigation into the reported hazard. Following the investigation, the employer may be directed to take specific corrective actions within set timelines to restore a safe working environment.
The legislation also protects employees from retaliation for raising safety concerns or exercising their rights. Employers are prohibited from taking disciplinary action such as termination, reduced hours, or other penalties in response to a safety complaint. If retaliation occurs, employees can file a discriminatory action complaint. An OH&S officer may investigate and, where appropriate, order the employer to stop the conduct and compensate the employee for financial losses resulting from the retaliation.
What Are OH&S Complaints?
Speaker: Chris Jones, Employment lawyer and partner at Bow River Law
Employees are entitled to file complaints with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety to report unsafe or unhealthy workplace conditions. Complaints may also arise if an employee faces discipline or dismissal after refusing dangerous work or for complying with OH&S laws and regulations.
What Is An OH&S Committee?
Speaker: Michael Hernandez, Employment lawyer and partner at Bow River Law
An OH&S committee, also known as a joint health and safety committee, is a workplace group established under Alberta law to support safety initiatives. These committees include both employer and employee representatives who work together to identify hazards, recommend improvements, and address safety concerns raised by workers.
Legislation requires these committees in workplaces with 20 or more employees, and they must meet at least quarterly. Participation on an OH&S committee also provides members with protections against retaliation when raising workplace safety issues.
Summary
These videos provide an overview of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety framework, including employee rights, employer obligations, complaint processes, and workplace safety structures such as OH&S committees. Together, they highlight how the legislation is designed to promote safe working conditions and protect workers who raise safety concerns.
Readers interested in learning more are encouraged to explore the full Bow River Law YouTube channel for additional educational videos on Alberta employment law.
