Alberta seeks to ensure safety of isolated workers

EDMONTON (Oct. 10, 2000) — Employers in Alberta will have to take extra measures to ensure the safety of employees who work alone.

New amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act New require employers to complete a written assessment of the safety hazards their employees encounter while working alone, to substantially reduce those hazards, and to ensure that their employees can reach supervisors in the event of an emergency.

Employers will have until April 30, 2001, to comply or face a maximum fine of $150,000 and/or a six-month imprisonment.

Alberta Human Resources and Employment has developed a handbook to educate employers about the new rules. The Working Alone Safely handbook provides information, safety measures, and strategies for employees who handle cash; meet clients away from their base office; perform hazardous work; travel alone; or who are at risk of violence because they are isolated.

For information, call Alberta Human Resources and Employment in Edmonton at 780/427-8848 or in Calgary at 403/297-2222. Outside of Edmonton or Calgary, call 310-0000 to be connected toll free.