Farm and Ranch Workplace Standards Review

Official title: Farm and ranch consultations

Closed Policy & Studies Agriculture & Food Economy & Jobs Health & Safety
Alberta reviewed how workplace safety, employment standards, and labour relations rules should apply to farms and ranches. Six technical working groups developed recommendations recognizing the unique nature of agricultural work. The consultations led to changes in OHS Code provisions and new employment standards that took effect in 2018.

Why This Matters

Work on a farm or ranch in Alberta? These rules affect your workplace safety and employment rights. Farm workers gained new protections, while employers got rules tailored to seasonal work and family operations.

What Could Change

The Fair and Family-Friendly Workplaces Act passed in June 2017. OHS Code provisions were updated to reflect farm and ranch realities. New employment standards and labour relations rules took effect January 1, 2018.

Key Issues

  • How should occupational health and safety rules apply to farms and ranches?
  • What employment standards should apply to agricultural workers?
  • How should labour relations requirements work for the agricultural sector?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Six technical working groups developed recommendations on workplace standards for farms and ranches.
  2. Review the OHS Code changes for farms and ranches and the employment standards recommendations.

What Happened

Six technical working groups submitted recommendations on occupational health and safety, employment standards, and labour relations. The Fair and Family-Friendly Workplaces Act was passed in June 2017. OHS Code provisions were changed to reflect farm and ranch realities. New employment standards and labour relations rules took effect January 1, 2018.