Help shape farm and ranch safety
Post date: Oct 30, 2017 1:42:34 AM
Albertans are invited to provide input on how occupational health and safety rules could apply to the unique nature of farms and ranches.
Public feedback is important as the government works to ensure updates to the Occupational Health and Safety Code applying to farms and ranches contain common-sense regulations that protect waged, non-family workers while respecting the family farm way of life.
The technical working groups that reviewed the occupational health and safety rules have completed their work. Their recommendations are now posted online, and Albertans can provide their input. The government will take as long as is needed to consult with and listen to farmers and ranchers before making any changes.
Albertans can provide feedback online at alberta.ca/farm-and-ranch and by emailingfarmandranch@gov.ab.ca before Jan. 15, 2018. Government will then begin drafting regulations based on both the recommendations and public feedback.
Key facts and figures
Occupational Health and Safety rules only apply to farm and ranch operations that employ waged, non-family workers. They do not apply to owners or family members of owners.
As of Jan. 1, 2016, Workers’ Compensation Board insurance coverage is required for paid workers. All waged, non-family farm and ranch workers are covered under WCB.
Since Jan. 1, 2016, 2,125 new Workers’ Compensation Board accounts have been opened by agricultural producers employing waged, non-family workers.
Of the approximately 40,638 farms and ranches in Alberta, 9,565 reported hiring waged, non-family workers in 2016.
A total of 33,498 farm and ranch workers were employed in paid work on a full-time, part-time or temporary/seasonal basis in 2016.
As of June 30, 2017, more than 1,200 workers have had their claims accepted by WCB.