Producers coalition and ministers talk changes to farming OHS policies

“It would be an extreme step backwards. Alberta was the only province in Canada that didn’t have OHS regulations and other safety regulations for farm workers, and we finally now have that,” Carlier stated. “It works in other provinces obviously, it can work in Alberta and I think he [Kenney] is selling our producers short.”

Labour Minister Christina Gray was also on hand and explained the role of AgSafe — a coalition of 28 Alberta producers — moving forward.

“With the OHS code provisions coming into effect December 1, AgSafe is continuing work that’s been happening in Alberta for decades,” she said. “AgSafe is now going to help get the information out to all farms and ranches, guidelines on how to safely operate and help to interpret the new OHS act and OHS code that now applies on farms and ranches.”

Wednesday, Gray announced new rules, including one, she elaborates, which allows for the use of “legacy equipment” as long as it is proven to be safe.

A hazard assessment must be performed at any farm or ranch which employs paid workers who are not family members.

Kent Erickson, AgSafe chairman, said the coalition will strive to inform farmers as best they can, regardless of what policies are or aren’t in place.

“We’ve always had the same attitude that we want safety on our farm,” he said. “The different mechanisms we use to increase farm safety in Alberta are something we’re striving to work on. We’re going to get on farms and we have a variety of different options and sizes so we can build and tailor safety programs for farms in Alberta.”

Albert Kamps, Lacombe dairy farmer and chair of AgCoalition also said in a release this week that the new provisions were created through extensive consultation, something the government apologized for a lack of when the bill was first passed.

“Farmers and ranchers in Alberta value health and safety to protect everyone on their work sites, and often go above and beyond standard practices, “Kamps said. “The AgCoalition worked closely with the government to provide grassroots feedback from its membership to ensure the proposed rules reflect the commitment to safety and take into account the unique practicalities of agriculture work. We will continue to work with our farm and ranch members to help them implement these rules and continue to build on the strong culture of farm safety.”

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Producers coalition and ministers talk changes to farming OHS policies

What's Trending