The Alberta NDP is taking steps to include farm and ranch workers under safety legislation.

Jobs Minister Lori Sigurdson plans to introduce Bill 6, the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act.

She says there's still a lot of consultation that needs to be done because one size doesn't fit all occupations.

"We know for instance that harvest does not fit neatly into an 8 hour day and that calving season does not conform to a stat holiday, so we will speak with and hear from producers, workers and the respective associations," Sigurdson says.

Farm and ranch workers will be protected by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations beginning Jan. 1, 2016.

Workers’ Compensation Board coverage for farm and ranch workers will also be mandatory as of this date.

Alberta's 60,000 farm and ranch workers will soon be covered by workers' compensation, Labour Relations Rules and Occupational Health and Safety.

Alberta's Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier says a lot of work has gone into the legislation.

"I think the vast majority of farmers and their associations are looking forward to this. There is some uncertainty of when this will be moving forward, but moving forward they will be able to adjust their operations as they see fit to make them safer. This legislative framework will give an even playing field to all workers in Alberta."

This come after 25 people lost their lives in 2014 in farm and ranch related accidents.

"The changes will allow farm workers to refuse dangerous work or work they're not trained for without the fear of being fired and if there is an accident or death, occupational health and safety can investigate," Carlier says.

A series of town hall meetings will be held across the province to get input from local groups, including one Dec. 2 in Okotoks. The meeting will take place at the Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn & Suites from 1pm till 4pm.

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