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Change in occupational health and safety regulations takes effect on July 1.
Edmonton (16 June 2010) - All 'sharps' including IVs, scalpels and hypodermic needles, must be replaced with alternate safety devices by all health care providers as of July 1 in Alberta.
The change represents a victory for the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE), which has long campaigned for the change.
The requirement is now specified in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code. Individual employers are responsible for providing training for all of their employees.
HSAA's occupational, health, safety and Wellness committee is advising all members who may not yet have learned of the change to contact supervisors and ask about training. "It's a victory for worker safety," the union says.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE