Newsletter

OH&S Legislation Changes

How will this affect your workplace?

In November of 2017, the Alberta Government announced that changes were coming to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. These changes affect all industries and all employers throughout Alberta, including the Hospitality Industry and will come into effect June 1, 2018. 

The changes will enshrine the three basic rights of workers in Alberta’s legislation:

• The right to refuse unsafe work protects workers from any form of reprisal for exercising this right, including loss of compensation or benefits.
• The right to know ensures workers are informed about potential hazards and have access to basic health and safety information in the workplace.
• The right to participate ensures workers are involved in health and safety discussions, including participation in health and safety committees

For example, did you know that all employers that have 20 or more employees are mandated to have a health and safety committee and that your health and safety committee has to be comprised of both management and worker level participation? 

AHSA’s wants to keep their members and respective stakeholders informed as these changes as they come into force and assist all employers in the Hospitality industry during this transition. The AHSA has the training and resources available to ensure that you are compliant with health and safety legislation and will be actively updating our training courses to ensure that our members receive the most relevant and up to date information available. 

For more information, you can visit the Alberta Government Website at https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-changes.aspx .  

If you would like to review the updated Act you can do so at the Queen’s Printer website at http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=O02P1.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779800490

We will be continuing to post updates as they become available and feel free to contact our office directly should you have questions.

Do you want to make a difference for Hospitality Industry?

AHSA is currently accepting Expressions of Interest to fill Board of Director positions in 2018/19

The Alberta Hospitality Safety Association (AHSA) is recruiting volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors. Applications from all sectors of the Hospitality industry are welcome. 

The initial commitment is 1 year if elected and 2 years if appointed with the term to begin April 2018. The AHSA is dedicated to providing education and support to the hospitality industry in Alberta addressing Health and Safety requirements. The vision of the AHSA is to have Alberta’s hospitality industry be a leader in  workplace health and safety.  AHSA’s membership includes ALL hotels, motels and convention centers in the province as well as restaurants and catering businesses.

As a Director you will be responsible for the AHSA’s consistent achievement of its mission and organizational objectives, including:

• Participate in strategic planning activities.
• Be involved in the financial management and oversight which includes approving annual budgets.
• Attend and be prepared for meetings by reading all materials and circulating concerns in advance.
• Be a willing advocate for the Association by participating and contributing time to various events or committees as required including completing the Health and Safety Leadership for Managers.
  
• Sharing your expertise and experiences.

Directors must possess the following qualities:

• Ability to devote sufficient time and energy to the performance of duties as a Director.
• Willingness to assume the responsibilities associated with being a director.
• Demonstrated integrity, high ethical standards and respect of privacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to recognize and assess business risks and strategic opportunities.
• Ability to distinguish between Board and Management roles.
• Senior management experience in the hospitality industry.
• Good problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to participate in group decision-making.

Expressions of Interest should include a professional resume that outlines formal qualifications, accompanied by cover letter which includes an explanation of why you are interested in becoming a board member and what area of expertise you can contribute. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday February 16, 2018. All application should be forwarded to info@ahsa.ca .

Please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Plaizier, Executive Director at 780 720 3059 EXT, 254.,should you have any questions or need more information about what being a board of directors for the  AHSA means. 

2018 Member Visits

WE ARE COMING TO YOU!

The AHSA’s mandate is to support and educate Alberta’s hospitality industry in the development of effective Health and Safety Programs. It is important to us that we are able to connect with our members on an ongoing basis, therefore our very own Erica Blewett, Training Coordinator extraordinaire, is hitting the road in 2018.

Erica will be travelling across the province in the effort to be more engaged with our valued members, to answer questions and provide information about health and safety in the workplace. 

Together we can achieve the AHSA vision to have Alberta’s hospitality industry as a leader in workplace health and safety.  

If you have any questions about our member visits, resources or training schedule or simply want to ensure that Erica visits your property, please do not hesitate to send as us an email at info@ahsa.ca

Contract Trainers NEEDED

The AHSA is still looking for experienced Health and Safety Trainers to conduct classroom training on a contract basis for Calgary and surrounding areas.  Courses to be delivered include:

• OHS Awareness
• Emergency Response Planning
• Hazard Identification, Assessment and Control
• Health and Safety Leadership for Managers
• Incident Investigation

If you are interested in this opportunity or know someone who is qualified, please visit our website for more information on how to apply. https://www.ahsa.ca/careers/

Health and Safety in the Workplace Matters

Remember the AHSA is here to help

Want more updates on what the AHSA is doing? Need information on training and health and safety resources for your workplace?

Following us on Linkedin or like us Facebook or visit our webpage. Stay informed about the relevant Health and Safety news.

If you have any ideas or suggestions on what you would like see from AHSA, do not hesitate to drop us a line at info@ahsa.ca