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Small employers do not need a large administrative system to begin improving safety. They do need a site-specific assessment, controls suited to the hazards, clear responsibilities and a way to verify that the controls work. Alberta’s OHS Code sections 7 to 9 provide the legal foundation for hazard assessment, worker participation and the hierarchy of controls.
Five low-cost OH&S strategies for small businesses
1. Assess one high-risk task at a time
Start with work that could cause a fatality, serious injury or occupational illness. Walk through the task with the people who perform it, identify existing and potential hazards, and document the controls. Section 7 of Alberta’s OHS Code requires the employer to assess the work site before work begins and prepare a report of the results and controls.
Keep the first assessment practical. Record the task, hazard, existing controls, additional action, responsible person and target date. Review it when the work, equipment or conditions change. A concise assessment that workers understand is more useful than a generic form copied from another workplace.
2. Correct recurring hazards at the source
Review inspection findings, first-aid information, maintenance requests and worker concerns for repeated issues. Choose one recurring hazard and address its source. Examples include relocating frequently used materials, improving access, adding a suitable cart or changing a workflow that creates unnecessary lifting or congestion.
Use the hierarchy in section 9 of the OHS Code. Consider elimination, substitution and engineering controls before relying on procedures or PPE. A low-cost administrative reminder is not an adequate substitute when a higher-order control is required and reasonably practicable.
3. Make supervisor checks short and specific
Supervisors can strengthen implementation through focused pre-job conversations and field observations. Ask workers to identify the main hazard, explain the control and describe when they would stop and seek help. Check the actual condition rather than asking only whether a form was completed.
Section 3 of Alberta’s OHS Act requires adequate training and competent supervision. A signature confirms attendance; observation and practical demonstration provide better evidence that the worker can apply the control.
4. Use a simple corrective-action loop
A basic action list can prevent findings from disappearing into meeting minutes. Record the issue, interim control, permanent action, accountable owner, due date and verification method. Review overdue and repeated items with management.
Closing an item should mean more than marking it complete. Confirm that the action was implemented and that it controlled the hazard without creating a new one. Where the risk is significant, involve knowledgeable workers and the appropriate technical or regulated professional.
5. Use free authoritative resources before buying templates
Alberta provides free access to the OHS Act, Regulation and Code. Manufacturer instructions, safety data sheets and official regulator guidance can also clarify the required control. Build documents around the employer’s actual work rather than purchasing a large generic manual that no one uses.
Target professional help where it adds real value: complex legal interpretation, occupational hygiene, engineering, high-risk procedures, incident investigation or an audit protocol. Confirm the jurisdiction, scope and deliverable before retaining a consultant.
Start with the highest risk
Low-cost does not mean low priority or minimal effort. Begin with hazards that have the greatest credible consequence, then select controls using the hierarchy of controls. Assign the people, time, equipment and authority required to complete the work.
Track a small number of meaningful measures, such as overdue corrective actions, repeat findings, completion of critical equipment checks and verified worker competency. Do not treat a low incident count by itself as proof that the system is effective.
When low-cost is not enough
Some hazards require engineering, exposure assessment, specialized equipment or another regulated professional service. Do not select a cheaper control when it conflicts with legislation, manufacturer instructions, approved engineering or the hazard assessment.
Insurance premiums, WCB costs and tax treatment depend on factors outside an OH&S consultant’s control. Employers should confirm financial and tax questions with their insurer, WCB-Alberta and a qualified tax professional. Safety investments should first be justified by the need to meet legal duties and protect people.
Official sources
- Government of Alberta – OHS Act, Regulation and Code.
- Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, sections 3 to 5 – general obligations.
- Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code, sections 7 to 9 – hazard assessment, worker participation and controls.
Verified November 5, 2026. Other provinces and federally regulated workplaces have different requirements.
How we help
If you'd like help putting practical, low-cost safety steps in place, Calgary Safety Consultants supports small businesses with scoped manuals, hazard assessments and audit preparation after confirming the jurisdiction, certifying partner and applicable protocol.
About the author
John Duplessis, B.Sc., CRSP
John Duplessis is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional with more than 30 years of occupational health and safety experience in oil and gas, construction, green energy, midstream operations, and industrial project work.
