In most workplaces, employers are concerned with whether or not they are
meeting their minimum obligations under various pieces of legislation.
Employers have many obligations relating to employment standards,
occupational health and safety, human rights, workers compensation and so
on. For the purposes of this paper, we will look primarily at the obligations
imposed on employers in Alberta pursuant to the Employment Standards
Code, as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and what it means
for those employers engaged in the farming industry in Alberta. Health and safety issues are important considerations in any business, including farm operations. Although farming may be exempted from the
Occupational Health and Safety Act, farm operations face the same issues. The importance to farms may be even greater because of the potential for
lawsuits. It is essential that due diligence is exercised to prevent and deal with
safety incidents on farms.
While most farming operations are exempt from certain portions of the Alberta
Employment Standards Code, it must be remembered that certain portions do
apply, namely payment of earnings, maternity and parental leave, and
termination provisions. Employers engaged in such activity should be mindful
to comply with such minimum standards.