Amendments to farm labour legislation passed

EDMONTON – Alberta farm and ranch workers will be able to use older equipment and forego the use of a seatbelt if it’s not practical under new health and safety rules coming into effect in December.

The government passed legislation three years ago but amended it after concerns raised by the Opposition and rural families.

Some of the changes include allowing the use of older equipment with procedures to ensure worker safety and the ability to use a front-end loader to raise workers if there’s no other option.

The regulations provide for workers’ compensation protection to paid farm labourers, and mandates health and safety rules for farming operations.