You're getting an OH&S inspection. No need to panic! Whether it’s a routine visit or triggered by an incident, being prepared can make the difference between a smooth experience and a costly headache.
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we’ve helped businesses across industries ace their inspections and build safer workplaces. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a practical checklist, share expert tips, and show you how we can help your business stay OH&S-compliant—so you can focus on what you do best!
Alberta’s OH&S inspectors may show up for several reasons:
✅ Routine Inspections – Random checks to ensure compliance.
✅ Incident-Triggered Inspections – If an injury, complaint, or near-miss occurs.
✅ Follow-Ups – To verify previous issues have been fixed.
✅ Industry-Specific Focus – High-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and oil & gas are inspected more often.
Failing an inspection can lead to hefty fines, stop-work orders, or worse—serious workplace injuries. But don’t worry! A little preparation goes a long way.
📌 1. Know Your OH&S Responsibilities
Start by reviewing Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation, and Code (Alberta OH&S). Every employer is legally responsible for providing a safe workplace.
Action Items:
✅ Ensure all staff understand their roles in workplace safety.
✅ Appoint a competent person (Safety Coordinator or Manager) to handle inspections.
✅ Have clear written policies for hazard assessments, PPE, emergency procedures, and incident reporting.
📌 2. Keep Your Safety Paperwork in Check
Nothing slows down an inspection like missing documents. OH&S inspectors will ask to see:
Hazard assessments (regularly updated).
Safety policies & procedures (written and accessible).
Training records (PPE use, WHMIS, first aid, etc.).
Incident reports & investigations (all injuries, near-misses).
Equipment inspection logs (cranes, forklifts, ladders).
Tip: Store these documents in a centralized, easy-to-access location—digitally and physically.
📌 3. Conduct a Mock OH&S Inspection
Practice makes perfect! A surprise inspection won’t be stressful if you already know what to expect.
Action Items:
✅ Walk through your workplace like an inspector would.
✅ Look for hazards—slips, falls, electrical risks, blocked exits.
✅ Check if safety signage is visible (emergency exits, PPE reminders).
✅ Inspect fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, eyewash stations.
✅ Test emergency drills and worker response times.
🚀 Pro Tip: Calgary Safety Consultants offers mock inspections to help you spot and fix compliance gaps before the real thing!
📌 4. Engage Your Employees
OH&S inspectors may interview employees to see if they understand workplace safety protocols. A well-trained team = a confident, compliant workplace.
Action Items:
✅ Train employees on hazard recognition and emergency procedures.
✅ Ensure all workers wear required PPE.
✅ Hold toolbox talks and safety meetings regularly.
✅ Encourage workers to report hazards without fear of retaliation.
📌 5. Correct Any Safety Hazards—NOW!
If you see an issue, don’t wait for an inspector to find it! Fix hazards immediately and document your corrective actions.
Common OH&S Violations in Calgary Businesses:
How We Can Help: Calgary Safety Consultants conducts hazard assessments and helps you implement fixes before OH&S shows up.
If violations are found, don’t argue—fix them ASAP!
We know OH&S compliance can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in!
✔️ Mock Inspections – Identify and fix issues before an inspector does.
✔️ Safety Training – WHMIS, first aid, PPE, fall protection, and more.
✔️ Policy & Procedure Development – Custom safety manuals for your business.
✔️ Hazard Assessments – Proactively identify and mitigate risks.
✔️ Incident Investigation Support – Ensure proper reporting and corrective action.
Need help preparing for an OH&S inspection? Book your complimentary consultation today.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!
References:
By following these steps, you can confidently pass an OH&S inspection and create a safer, legally compliant workplace. Ready to get started? We’re here to help! 🚀
OH&S inspections in Alberta occur for various reasons, including routine compliance checks, incident investigations, follow-ups on previous violations, and industry-specific safety reviews.
Common violations include lack of fall protection, missing PPE, blocked emergency exits, unsafe electrical setups, and inadequate worker training.
You could face fines, stop-work orders, or even legal consequences. The best approach is to correct violations quickly and implement a proactive safety plan.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
