Monthly OHS News & Updates
April 2022
Contents:
OHS News
AMHSA News
Upcoming Training
Alberta Labour & WCB Updates
Upcoming Events
ITF Update
Occupational Health & Safety News
WCB Webinar: Effective Use of myWCB
Learn more about how to use myWCB reports to better manage your employer account and improve your disability management program.

In this course, we’ll review the types of reports and other features are available to employers through myWCB.

We’ll also cover some basics on:
- Claims costs summaries
- Claims Performance reporting
- Pricing programs
- How to analyze general employer statistics

Date: May 3, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 10:20 am (MST)
Presenters: Kim Bartch & Sanjeev Bhagrath, Industry Specialists at WCB
Hosted by: AMHSA
WCB's Fit for Work (FFW) Employer Dashboard
The new WCB-Alberta Fit for Work (FFW) Dashboard became available to all employers on April 2, 2022!

This new tool provides you with the information you need to collaborate and confirm modified work opportunities. Information is refreshed daily, and employers are able to view current physical capabilities reporting to help plan for a timely and successful return to work.

Employers with myWCB Claims Administrator role access can view the dashboard right from LCR.
Disability Management Training
In partnership with Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences, AMHSA is offering several learning events related to disability management and successful return to work.

These courses emphasize the skills and knowledge required to return to work individuals who have incurred injuries or illnesses, and provide an introduction to the competencies that are required to introduce and administer disability management programs.

Scheduled courses include: Mental Health Issues, Rehabilitation, and Return to Work; Legislation and Disability Management; and Disability Management in Unionized Organizations. Each course is offered virtually and students will need a stable internet connection, camera, and microphone.
These learning events apply towards the Disability Management Practitioner certificate program offered by PCU.

Each course has been endorsed by the Canadian Society of Professionals in Disability Management (CSPDM) for continuing education credit (CEC) hours for the professional designations of:

For more information or to register, contact Jessica (jessica@amhsa.net).
NAIT Occupational Health and Safety Program and Co-op
NAIT in Edmonton, AB, is looking for your feedback on its Occupational Health and Safety program and co-op course.

The two-year diploma prepares students to fill essential health and safety roles in industry and focuses on real-world issues and practical skills.

Your responses will guide the program's communication strategy to raise awareness about student skill sets and co-op work placement opportunities.

The survey is open until April 20, 2022.
AMHSA News
Audit News
New for 2022: AMHSA is implementing an audit registration process this year!

This will include a short form to be completed during audit preparations with details about the audit and auditor, and then AMHSA will provide the tool to the lead auditor.

Watch for details in an upcoming Auditor Update!
Audit Reminders
The on-site data gathering suspension has been lifted, so audits can be conducted remotely or on-site (if auditor and employer agree it can be conducted safely).

The use of observational tours remains optional so there are several Excel audit tools available for download.

Employers now have access to a PDF file of their Certificate of Recognition! Access is provided through myWCB accounts - log in and click on “Reports and Invoices”. AMHSA is no longer receiving paper copies to mail to COR-holders. If you cannot print your COR, let us know.

Please see Auditor Resources for more details on 2022 audits, and to access the March Auditor Update and audit tools.

Deadline to request participation in the peer process for COR Certification is June 1, 2022 – send requests to Shannon@amhsa.net.
Dynamic Warm-up Webinar
This month's free monthly ergonomics webinar will focus on dynamic warm-ups!

This session begins with the importance of warming up the muscles before engaging in heavy work, along with tips on how to roll out a dynamic warm-up program, then a variety of dynamic movements are demonstrated to increase heart rate and muscle temperature to prepare the body for work. Participants are encouraged to complete the dynamic movements along with the facilitator.  

While the dynamic warm-up is targeted to field workers, office employees would also benefit from this interactive presentation.

Member Representation
Did you know? AMHSA, through its participation on the Industry Task Force (ITF) Association Executive, sits as an Employer Representative on the WCB-Alberta Policy Consultation Advisory Group (PCAG).

The PCAG works with the WCB-Alberta Board of Directors to provides input and advice on policy priorities for the year. 

Municipal stakeholders can provide feedback directly to WCB-Alberta via the below links. Stakeholders are also invited to provide AMHSA with specific feedback so that we have a solid understanding of municipal stakeholder views.

Policies soon to be reviewed:
Funding Policy (01-01) Closing date: June 20, 2022.
Medical Cannabis (04-06, Health Care, Part II) - Closing date: May 2, 2022 (extended).
Auditor Training
Health & Safety Management Systems
September 20-21, 2022
October 11-12, 2022

Health & Safety Auditing
September 27-28, 2022
October 18-19, 2022

Audit Refresher
September 14, 2022
October 4, 2022

Contact Carla@amhsa.net to register.
Terri Filipski Memorial Scholarship Giveaway
In honour of Terri Filipski, UNB CEL and AMHSA have partnered to provide one member of the AMHSA community free tuition to enroll in their choice of UNB's online Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety program or the online Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.

Click here for more information or to enter. The prize winner will be announced at the Alberta Cities Safety Council Meeting on June 7, 2022.
Municipal members - You're invited to AMHSA's member discussion forums!

Our mission is to develop a forum community that empowers Alberta municipal OHS, HR, and audit professionals (or equivalent) to grow their networks, spark discussion, and support the sharing of resources, knowledge, and experience.
Upcoming Disability Management Training
Mental Health Issues, Rehabilitation and Return to Work
A brief overview of mental health issues in the workplace is provided along with a more in-depth focus on stress and depression. Participants will explore symptoms, treatments and disability aspects of stress and depression and strategies for assisting individuals with stress- and depression-related illnesses to return to work. Disabilities that may have a mental health component and the biopsychosocial impact of disabilities will be considered.
Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (MST)
Format: Online
Cost: $250.00
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (MST)
Format: Online
Cost: $250.00
Legislation and Disability Management
Participants will examine human rights laws and the requirement for accommodation as it applies to workers with disabilities. Other acts that impact on accommodation and disability will be considered including labor codes and, in some provinces, the requirements of workers’ compensation acts. Related acts such as safety, privacy and health information acts will be discussed.
Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022
Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (MST)
Format: Online
Cost: $250.00
Disability Management in Unionized Organizations
Various aspects of labour relations impact disability management, including the collective agreement and provincial labour relations act. Memorandums of agreement and letters of intent used in establishing programs and joint committees will be examined. Dispute resolution in a union setting will be explored.
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (MST)
Format: Online
Cost: $250.00
Upcoming Psychological Safety Training
Psychological Health & Safety
AMHSA's Psychological Health and Safety Certification program can help you learn how to integrate psychological health and safety into your existing health and safety management system.

Register now and use code 50MNPHS for $50 off your registration.
The Working Mind
The Working Mind (TWM) is an evidence-based program designed to promote mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the workplace.

TWM for employees offers practical knowledge to increase participants’ overall comfort level with mental illness.

TWMFR is evidence-based training designed to promote mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the workplace.

Managers, supervisors, and team leads have a special role in any organization. Building on TWM for employees, the TWM managers course gives participants the practical knowledge to support their employees' mental health and well-being.

To register, visit our website or email Shannon Thomas (shannon@amhsa.net).
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis.

While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems. This lack of understanding leads to fear and negative attitudes towards individuals living with these problems. It prevents people from seeking help for themselves and from providing appropriate support to people around them.

Upcoming Course Dates:
  • May 5, 2022
  • May 25, 2022
  • August 24, 2022
The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that

one in every five Canadians

experiences a mental health problem within a given year.
For more information on equipment management or other learning and compliance software opportunities, please visit our website, contact Rick Northrop via email, or call us at 1-800-267-9764.
Alberta Labour & WCB Updates
OHS eNews for April is now available, and includes links to new resources, supporting first responder psychological health, prevention data advisory committee, research survey, and upcoming webinars and events.

Read the latest OHS news online or register for monthly OHS eNews from Alberta Labour & Immigration
2022 Issue 2 of Worksight magazine is now available.

This edition includes information on the Job Connections employment and recruitment website, lowering premiums with safety programs, and open policy consultations.

Read the latest WCB news on WCB's Website.
Upcoming Events
National Day of Mourning
Each year on April 28, we take time to remember and pay our respects to workers who have been harmed or killed as a result of workplace incidents.

Visit wcb.ab.ca for more information or to download resources such as posters and videos.
Alberta Health & Safety Conference
The 19th Alberta Health and Safety Conference is coming up. Mark your calendars for May 5-6, 2022. This year's conference will be held at NAIT's Productivity and Innovation Center. Look for AMHSA in the exhibitor hall - we hope to see you there!

Visit their website to register today!

Dates: May 5-6, 2022
Location: NAIT Productivity & Innovation Centre, Edmonton, Alberta
NAOSH Week
This year's North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week runs May 1-7, 2022.

For more information about NAOSH Week activity suggestions, downloadable resources, and upcoming events, visit safetyandhealthweek.ca.
Upcoming Safety Council Meetings
AMHSA's safety councils include the Alberta Cities Safety Council (ACSC), Northern Alberta Safety Council (NASC) and Southern Alberta Safety Council (SASC).

Meetings are held several times a year and open to all municipal members. Agendas include updates from Alberta Labour, WCB-Alberta, and AMHSA, as well as an educational session or guest speaker.

Participants share recent highlights from their municipality including significant incidents, lost time claims, trends, projects, challenges and new initiatives, innovations, upcoming events, audits, etc.

Visit our website for past meeting minutes or contact Shannon Thomas for details on upcoming meetings.

Alberta Cities Safety Council (ACSC)
Date: June 7, 2022
Format: Hybrid, Location: TBD
Industry Task Force (ITF) Association Update
ITF published a March Update that covers the following topics:

  • Government Engagement
  • WCB Policy Development/Consultation
  • OHS Funding
  • Physiotherapy Services Working Group
  • Bill 47 Implementation Stakeholder Group
  • Psychological Injury Working Group
  • ITF Association Representation

For current and past ITF newsletters, please visit our website.
Contact Us
safety@amhsa.net | www.amhsa.net | 1.800.267.9764