Alberta opens Restrictions Exemption Program Safety Training

Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program Safety Training is now available in the province.

The 45-minute online training is open to employers and staff at no cost to help them assess and manage challenging situations that may arise during their daily operations. This will help them keep businesses open and patrons safe during the pandemic, according to the government.

“We recognize this has been a challenging time for many Alberta workers as they continue to do their jobs to keep businesses open while also ensuring the health and safety of their colleagues and patrons. This training will help empower workers with the skills and confidence to safely implement the Restrictions Exemption Program,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Labour and Immigration.

The training includes information and resources that workers need to keep themselves and customers safe while implementing COVID-19 safety requirements, such as requesting proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test, physical distancing or masking.

It is being delivered through ARETE Training, a Canadian-based provider of bullying, harassment, personal safety, de-escalation and violence prevention training.

Employers must enrol for the training on behalf of their employees. More information is available at alberta.ca/restrictions-exemption-program-safety-training.aspx.

Last month, the government announced it will provide a one-time payment of $2,000 to small- and medium-sized businesses that are eligible for and choose to implement the REP, requiring proof of vaccination, a negative test result or medical exemption.

Alberta businesses eligible for the REP Implementation Grant can use the funding as they see fit, according to the government.

The government also announced $1 million in funding for training to support the safety of workers when implementing the REP.

Eligible industry associations across Alberta can use the REP Training Grant to develop or procure training to help workers assess and manage challenging situations that may arise during their daily work. Workers and employers will be able to access this training through select industry associations.

One safety expert told COS there remains a lack of clear guidance around the implementation of COVID-19 policies and the contentious issue of whether this violates employee rights.