This week, over 25 Local leaders from our Local 569–Edmonton, AB, and Local 583–Calgary, AB, gathered at the Local 569 union hall for a full day of Health and Safety Training. Conducted by ATU International Health and Safety Director Andrew Falotico and Safety Specialist Russell Bateman, the interactive training program included discussion of occupational health and safety regulations in the province of Alberta, rights and responsibilities of joint safety committees in Alberta, hazard identification and risk analysis, recordkeeping and documenting of safety issues, and strategies and tools that locals can use to run safety campaigns and improving working conditions.
The training also included modules on specific hazards like workplace violence and psychosocial trauma as well as the requirements for employers to establish workplace violence programs and policies. Special thanks to Local 569 President/Business Agent Steve Bradshaw for opening up their union hall for this very important training.