New OHS Legislation in Effect Dec 1st for Farms and Ranches

Farm and Ranch Safety Legislation

Overview

The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act sets the minimum standards for protecting waged, non-family farm and ranch workers.

  • Employers must ensure the health and safety of workers on the site, as far as is reasonably practicable.
  • Workers must work safely and cooperate with their employer to keep the workplace safe.

Basic safety standards are now in place. Prior to 2016, Alberta was the only province where farms and ranches were still exempt from workplace health and safety laws.

Detailed technical rules that reflect the unique aspects of the industry come into effect on Dec. 1, 2018.

The new rules are the result of extensive collaboration with farmers and other members of the agriculture industry. They give farm and ranch workers similar rights and protections as other workers, while preserving the unique way of life on farms and ranches.