Competency:
CPD: # 1 (Upon confirmation of attendance CPD hours will be directly applied to your CPD log in your member portal)
CPHR Alberta Conference Sponsor Webinar
Presented by the Carbert Waite
Workplace safety is a critical issue that impacts both the well-being of employees and the legal responsibilities of employers. In this presentation, employment lawyers Lauren Barteluk and Kate Perala will provide an in-depth overview of the obligations employers have to maintain a safe and healthy work environment, as outlined under Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, Worker’s Compensation laws, and Human Rights legislation.
The discussion will cover a wide range of workplace contexts, from high-risk jobs in hazardous industries like construction and healthcare to more typical office environments. Lauren and Kate will examine how the evolving legal landscape around OHS and Worker’s Compensation requires employers to regularly update their safety measures and employee protections. The presentation will explore how employers are legally required to assess and mitigate workplace hazards, create safety protocols, and take proactive steps to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Attendees will also receive an update on recent changes to Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code and how these impact employers' obligations.
Through relevant case studies and real-world examples, this presentation will highlight situations where employers face complex challenges in balancing workplace safety with employee rights. These case studies will include scenarios from high-risk industries, as well as more nuanced examples where an employee’s health and safety may be affected during investigations or disciplinary actions. This will offer a comprehensive understanding of how employers must navigate these challenges to ensure both compliance and the protection of their workforce.
About the Speakers
Lauren Barteluk
Lauren is a partner at Carbert Waite LLP and regularly advises both employees and employers on all aspects of employment, including terminations of employment, harassment, disability issues, workplace policies, employment standards, disciplinary issues, human rights issues and occupational health and safety issues. Additionally, Lauren has also represented clients in collective bargaining, before labour boards, and at arbitrations, conciliations, and mediations.
Lauren has appeared before the Federal Court of Appeal and all levels of courts in Alberta, as well as before the courts in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
Lauren also teaches Occupational Health and Safety, and human rights at the University of Alberta.
Kate Perala
Kate is an associate at Carbert Waite LLP. She maintains a general litigation practice with a focus on employment and health law and has represented clients in the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, Alberta Court of Justice, Alberta Human Rights Tribunal and the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service.
Kate is a volunteer lawyer at the University of Calgary’s Student Legal Assistance program. She also volunteers with the KB Amicus program at the courthouse, where she assists self represented parties navigate their legal matters.
Prior to pursuing law, Kate had many years of experience working in the non-profit and social service sector.
