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Here's a Short List to Consider for Minimum OH&S Compliance
Not everything can be covered here—there will always be some ad hoc requirements that depend on your specific business type or industry. No single blog can capture everything you might need for full compliance, but we can offer a solid opinion on what the bare minimum should look like.
- Understanding Alberta’s OH&S Laws
Alberta’s workplace safety regulations are built around three key documents:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act – Defines the rights and responsibilities of employers, workers, and other workplace parties.
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulation – Lays out the general safety rules for all industries.
- Occupational Health and Safety Code – Gets into the technical details, including specific safety measures.
Learn more here: https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-act-regulation-code
- Appoint a Safety Rep or Committee
Alberta law requires:
- 5-19 Employees: You must have a Health and Safety Representative.
- 20+ Employees: You need a Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee.
These roles are essential to making sure safety concerns are addressed before they turn into major issues.
More details on OH&S committee requirements: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/occupational-health-and-safety-act-workplace-ohs-ab
- Create a Basic Health & Safety Program
You must have a formal health and safety program. At a minimum, this should include:
✔️ A written health and safety policy
✔️ Hazard assessments and controls
✔️ Emergency response plans
✔️ Roles and responsibilities for workers and supervisors
✔️ Regular workplace inspections
✔️ Training programs for employees
A proper safety program keeps your workers protected and helps lower your WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) premiums!
Guide to OH&S program basics: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/occupational-health-and-safety-act-workplace-ohs-ab
- Have a Violence & Harassment Prevention Plan
Since 2018, Alberta law requires all employers to have a violence and harassment prevention plan in place. This must include:
- A policy outlining zero tolerance for workplace violence or harassment
- A system for reporting and investigating incidents
- Confidentiality protections for employees who report concerns
- Clear consequences for those who violate the policy
Failing to have a harassment policy could result in hefty fines or legal trouble.
Recent changes to Alberta’s OH&S rules: https://www.employmentandlabour.com/recent-amendments-to-albertas-occupational-health-and-safety-code-simplify-the-requirements-for-workplace-health-and-safety-policies
- Train Your Employees & Provide PPE
Every worker needs to know how to do their job safely. That means:
- Safety Training – Train employees on workplace hazards, equipment use, and emergency procedures.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Ensure workers have and wear the right safety gear (gloves, helmets, masks, etc.).
Proper training doesn’t just prevent injuries—it protects your business from liability in case of an accident.
🔗 Guide to Alberta OH&S training requirements: https://thinksafetysolutions.com/complete-guide-to-alberta-ohs-act-compliance
How we help
How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help
OH&S compliance can feel overwhelming—but that’s where we come in! At Calgary Safety Consultants, we specialize in helping businesses like yours stay compliant, safe, and WCB-friendly.
Here’s what we can do for you:
- Customized Safety Programs – Tailored safety plans that meet Alberta’s OH&S standards.
- Training & Certification – Ensure your workers are properly trained and certified.
- Hazard Assessments – Identify and mitigate risks before they become accidents.
- Policy Development – We’ll help you draft effective safety and harassment policies.
- Worksite Audits & Inspections – Stay ahead of safety issues and avoid OH&S fines.
Final Thoughts
OH&S compliance isn’t just about checking boxes or avoiding fines—it’s about building a foundation of trust, accountability, and care within your organization. When you prioritize health and safety, you’re doing more than following the law—you’re actively protecting your team from harm, your business from costly disruptions, and your reputation from damage that can be difficult to repair.
Book your complimentary consultation today.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!
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.
