COVID-19 Orders and Legislation

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued Order 18-20, which rescinds Orders 01-2020, 02-2020, and 07-2020. The appendix contains a list of businesses, entities and schools closed to the public.

For links to specific ministerial orders, orders in council and legislation that have been implemented to support Albertans, prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect our economy, visit the Alberta.ca COVID-19 orders and legislation page.

To stay up to date with new publications and OHS/ES developments subscribe to the OHS/ES eNews and find past issues here.

- OHS Prevention Services

N95 Respirator Alternatives

The Alberta Government is allowing the use of respirators meeting international standards as alternatives to N95 respirators approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

On May 3, a ministerial order took effect that temporarily amends the OHS Code during the COVID-19 public emergency. This amendment lists specific respirator standards, approved for use in other countries, that employers can use without needing to request an approval.

This amendment addresses the interim situation of domestic shortages of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, and remains in effect until 60 days after the state of public emergency is over. Other requirements related to respiratory protection still apply, including a successful fit test on all mask types. The Ministerial Order can be viewed here.

-OHS Prevention Services

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

The week of May 3-9th marks the North American Occupational Safety and Health week. The goal of this week is to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the work place, at home and in the community. This year we face a new set of challenges due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and it will be important that we all take the necessary preventative measures.

"Lets work together to make sure Albertans can come home healthy and safe from their jobs each day."

-Jason Copping

Maintaining your Health and Safety System Through a Downturn

Manufacturers' Health and Safety Association is excited to announce our new three part online learning series, "Maintaining your Health and Safety System Through a Downturn". Tune in to the following sessions and join us for an update! #MHSA #Health&safety

Virtual Supervisor Training Now Available!

April 28th: Day of Mourning Ceremony

Although things were done a little differently this year, the Manufacturers'​ Health & Safety Association (MHSA) is grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in a very small gathering to remember the lives lost in workplace incidents. Its vitally important to remember that protection of lives is a critical component to any business and should be the foundation value in order to maintain life and limb in any organization.

Proper Disinfecting of Synthetic Slings and Tie Downs to Prevent the Transmission of the COVID-19 Virus

Numerous parties have contacted WSTDA asking for advice on how to disinfect synthetic slings and tie downs to prevent the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. Find the full newsletter and required information here.

COVID-19 Free Weekly Mental Fitness Webinar

MHSA invites you to attend a free weekly webinar facilitated by Dr. Bill Howatt from Howatt HR which will examine how to maintain Mental Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic for organizations and individuals.

We thank AMHSA for presenting this weekly Mental Health Webinar Series in partnership with the Alberta Urban Municipality Association (AUMA) and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE).

Please click here for more information and to register.

Please note this webinar will be launched from the CSSE webpage, non-CSSE members can attend for free and just need to select the Non-Member Registration icon to register (see image below).

OHS E-News sign up: COVID-19

Alberta Labour and Immigration OHS would like to make every effort to connect you with the available resources and information related to COVID-19.  

Please find below a link that will allow you to sign up to receive the ENews: Click here

Need To Know Information From MHSA

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MHSA’s goal continues to be ensuring the wellbeing of our employees, our members, our class participants; and heeding government recommendations to do our part in the community to help reduce the risk and spread. In an effort of being responsive in this evolving situation MHSA has made the difficult decision to cancel all in person classroom training until April 30, 2020. We will be reassessing our position on a weekly basis.

We are excited to announce that MHSA instructors will be hosting Virtual Classroom training starting April 14th, 2020. Please see our classroom calendar for availability or contact your Regional MHSA Administrative Assistant to register. For a list of Virtual Course Offerings please click here.

Virtual Classroom Training Requirements

• Access to a device with a screen (laptop, computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.)

• Strong internet connection
  

Please note the course manual will be shipped a minimum of 5 days prior to your course date. This is included in the cost of the course.

Virtual Classroom Cancellation Policy

• Once a manual has been shipped course cancellations will not be accepted
  

Additionally, we have postponed all Regional Update Meetings until further notice and appreciate your understanding.

The COR Department has created a Frequently Asked Questions document in response to the COR Contingency notice. All COR Updates can be found here moving forward. Please click here to download the COR FAQ document.

During this pandemic MHSA will be communicating pertinent information related to COVID-19 on our website https://www.mhsa.ab.ca/blog. Please check back often.

We appreciate your trust in the association as we work through these challenging times together and modify our business to accommodate our member’s needs. Please give us a call if you have any questions. 

The team at MHSA.