Occupational Health and Safety and how it affects non-profit organizations

 

By Vicki Winger

 

Last Thursday, Whitecourt and Woodlands County, in partnership with the Government of Alberta, held an information session regarding Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) for non-profit groups.

 

Approximately 90 people filled the seats at the Forest Interpretive Centre which included various non-profit groups for the question and answer session on how OH&S legislation affects each group.

 

Ross Nairne, Executive Director with Alberta Labour, conducted the November 29 presentation to help non-profit groups have a better understanding of exactly how the law applies to them and get them headed in the right direction to be compliant. By the end of the evening, Nairne hoped to clarify and ease some of the concerns expressed during the session.

 

Some attendees were unaware that non-profit groups fell under the OH&S even as volunteers. A discussion regarding who is liable when an incident occurs was a concern. As a volunteer, there is a fear of being responsible or ultimately named as the person in charge should a major incident occur. Charges and fines under the OH&S can be up to $500,000 and could include jail time. Not many volunteers are willing to risk their financial well-being and be scrutinized in an investigation.

 

Nairne indicated that under the Societies Act it states that volunteers are workers. OH&S also considers non-profit organizations employers because they engage a worker or a volunteer to do an activity. Simply put, when an organization asks for volunteers, the organization accepts that the volunteers will do the work and the volunteer shows up to do the job. Because of that, non-profit groups are required to have a safety manual in place. Another shocking surprise for many was the fact the OH&S laws have been in place for non-profit groups since 1976.

 

While recently becoming aware, more and more organizations are taking the necessary steps needed to be compliant. Nairne indicated that it does not have to be complicated when it comes to having a safety manual for workers; it is not necessarily the same as the manuals of larger oilfield corporations. OH&S is seeking a common-sense approach to safety amongst volunteers. This consists of having a safety manual in place that covers hazard assessments, an emergency response plan, how to conduct training, and written procedures for tasks the volunteers will partake in as well as methods for doing internal investigations which range from safety incidents to harassment complaints and worker refusal. Nairne states, “It boils down to common sense: caring, understanding, and ensuring the safety of volunteers.” Due-diligence plays a big part and by having a safety manual in place and reviewing it with the workers will cover that.

 

After 40 years of legislation, this all seems to be coming to the forefront. Nairne explained, “From the Alberta Labour perspective and the change in the Occupational Health and Safety Act in June 2018, the government has been stressing information awareness. It is a trickle effect that occurred with different organizations concerning how they are looking at the legislation. People now realize there are some responsibilities they must have. It was great to be able to come and talk in person to real people with real concerns. Typically, when I sit in an Edmonton office, I’m not hearing what people hear when the information resources are made public. Perception is their reality which people focus on until it gets clarified.” Nairne is hoping he was able to dispel some of the concerns addressed at the meeting. For organizations seeking assistance in getting their safety manuals in place, go to www.ohs-resources.

 

Michelle Jones, General Manager with Community Futures Yellowhead East, has been in contact with an OH&S consultant who is preparing to hold a full-day session for all non-profit organizations that would like assistance in getting their safety manuals developed. The session will include all the materials needed to create your manual and your copy of the updated OH&S regulations. Jones is hoping to have the session this month if there is enough interest. Otherwise, she will push for one in January. For more information and to sign up, call the office of Community Futures Yellowhead East at 780-706-3500.