Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation will implement a new system for workplace safety penalties, including issuing fines to workers who put the health and safety of others or themselves at risk. The objectives of the penalties are to encourage compliance with health and safety regulations and act as a deterrent against those who show a chronic disregard for health and safety in the workplace.
Under the new system, OHS officers will have the authority to issue tickets, ranging from $100 to $500, on the spot to those who are found flouting workplace safety rules on the job site. OHS administrative penalties will be enforced against all parties regulated by OHS legislation – workers, contractors, suppliers, prime contractors and employers. The government will have the ability to fine hefty administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, per day to any who repeatedly do not comply with health and safety regulations. OHS officers will determine the amount of the administrative penalty after considering several factors including, but not limited to, past health and safety performance and the frequency of orders, tickets or other compliance interventions, and whether there is an overall commitment to maintaining proper health and safety systems in the workplace.
As of October 1, 2013, the new system will take effect for administrative penalties; January 1, 2014 for on-site tickets. Tickets can be paid at any courthouse in Alberta and any party that would like to plead not guilty will be able to obtain a court date. Any OHS administrative penalties can be appealed through Alberta’s OHS Council.
Currently, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan already have, or are considering, similar systems.
For more details, visit Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Policies and Procedures.