Edmonton – Alberta Liberal MLA Hugh MacDonald says that high rates of death, illness and injury in the workplace are clear evidence that the Tories aren’t doing enough to protect workers.

Since 2006, over 500 Albertans have died due to workplace diseases and accidents, and tens of thousands have suffered disabling injuries.

“In 2002, this government promised to publish the names of employers that break worker safety laws,” MacDonald says. “The Official Opposition even proposed an amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Act to force the Minister to publish those names. That amendment, had it been accepted, would have made workplaces safer.”

According to a 2002 press release, the government’s own Bill 37 would have “Publish[ed] the names of employers with the best and worst safety performance in the province.”

Eight years later, the Auditor General has reported, perhaps predictably, that the government’s enforcement of Occupational Health and Safety rules has been lax, further highlighting the need for strong enforcement of its own laws.

“Only now, eight years later, after a critical Auditor General’s report, are they finally saying that they are trying to move forward. Eight years is a long time to let a promise languish, especially when lives are at stake. Employees have the right to seek out safe employers and avoid unsafe ones.”

“The government needs to take a long, hard look at these numbers,” MacDonald says. “Many of these deaths, injuries and illnesses are preventable, but only if the government enforces its laws.”

On this International Day of Mourning, the Official Opposition recommends the following to make worksites safer:

• Publish the names of employers with the best and worst safety records in the province;
• Legislate mandatory joint work site health and safety committees, as is the norm in every province but Alberta;
• Commission a thorough study of the effect of workplace carcinogens on Albertans;
• Vigorously enforce all provincial employment and safety standards;
• Make paid farm workers eligible for Worker’s Compensation and protection under Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

“These measures would improve worker safety, protect jobs and reduce fatalities,” MacDonald says. “Alberta should be at the forefront of worker safety, but instead we’re at the back of the pack. Broken Tory promises have left workers unprotected, and that’s not acceptable.”

Attached: Government of Alberta Bill 37 release from 2002.pdf

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For more information contact:
albertaliberalcaucus
1-866-633-4214

or Hugh MacDonald

(780) 914-5270

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