How is it already September?! The hot days are becoming fewer and far between, and soon it will be time to pull our winter coats out.
This month’s update is all about the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, roles, and duties of OHS officers and what to expect in an OHS inspection.
Alberta Traffic Law Update
Starting September 1st, 2023, drivers must slow down when passing all roadside workers, police, ambulances, fire trucks and tow trucks.
Under the changes, when passing an emergency or roadside maintenance vehicle with flashing light on, drivers would be required to slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit (whichever is lower) in all lanes going in the same direction on divided highways and when traveling in either direction on single lane roadways.
Roles and Duties of OHS Officers
OHS officers play an important role in keeping Alberta’s work sites safe and healthy. They have the authority to monitor and enforce Alberta’s OHS legislation in several ways, including:
• Conducting inspections and investigations
• Issuing orders, tickets, or administrative penalties
By law, work site parties must cooperate with OHS officers, and cannot interfere with or hinder them in their work.
What to expect in an OHS inspection
OHS officers have a duty to carry out inspections to assess compliance with OHS laws. When an officer arrives at a work site to conduct an inspection, standard practice is to arrange for an employer representative to accompany them on a walk-through of the site. The officer will then:
• Look at various types of records.
• Take photos.
• Inspect Equipment
• Ask workers questions.
• Other activities to check with compliance.