Machines are the backbone of many industries in Calgary—from manufacturing and construction to warehousing and food processing. But as powerful and efficient as they are, machines can also be dangerous. Without proper safeguards, workers face risks of amputations, crushing injuries, burns, and even fatalities.
The good news? These injuries are completely preventable with proper machine guarding. Let’s dive into why machine guarding matters, the legal requirements in Alberta, and how Calgary Safety Consultants can help your business stay compliant and injury-free.
Machine guarding is all about protecting workers from hazardous moving parts. It includes barriers, shields, and devices designed to prevent contact with dangerous areas of a machine.
Common Machine Hazards That Guards Prevent:
✅ Rotating parts – Shafts, gears, and pulleys can pull in clothing or body parts.
✅ Pinch points – Where two machine parts move together, crushing injuries can happen.
✅ Cutting hazards – Blades, saws, and shears can cause severe lacerations.
✅ Flying debris – Chips, sparks, and shrapnel can cause eye injuries and burns.
Without proper guarding, workers face serious risks—sometimes leading to life-altering injuries or even criminal liability for employers.
If you run a business in Calgary, you need to follow Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code. Here’s what you need to know:
📜 Alberta OHS Code, Part 22 (Safeguards) states that:
Failing to comply can result in hefty fines, stop-work orders, or even prosecution. In 2021, a Calgary company was fined $250,000 after a worker suffered a crushed hand due to an unguarded conveyor system (Government of Alberta, 2021).
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we know OHS regulations inside and out. We help businesses across Calgary ensure their machine guarding is up to code—and that their workers stay safe.
Our Services Include:
🔍 Machine Guarding Assessments – We inspect your workplace, identify risks, and recommend the best safety measures.
📚 Customized Training – We train your employees to recognize hazards and operate machinery safely.
📋 OHS Compliance Audits – We review your workplace policies and ensure you meet Alberta’s safety standards.
🛠 Guarding Solutions – We help implement or improve physical guards, emergency stop devices, and interlocks.
We make safety simple and affordable—so you can focus on running your business with peace of mind.
One of our recent clients, a Calgary-based metal fabrication shop, was struggling with outdated machine guards and multiple near-misses. They were concerned about a potential OHS inspection and wanted to be proactive.
After a thorough site assessment, we:
✔ Installed custom-designed barriers to protect workers from high-speed grinding wheels.
✔ Trained their employees on lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent accidental startups.
✔ Helped them develop a safety policy to meet OHS Code requirements.
The result? A safer workplace, a reduced risk of fines, and increased worker confidence in their safety measures.
Machine guarding isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about protecting your employees, your reputation, and your bottom line. Injuries can lead to lost productivity, legal trouble, and devastating consequences for workers and their families.
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we’re here to help you navigate the regulations and keep your business safe.
Book your complimentary consultation today.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!
References
Without proper guarding, workers can suffer serious injuries or even fatalities. Additionally, employers risk legal fines, liability, and operational shutdowns if they fail to meet Alberta’s OHS Code requirements.
Under Part 22 of Alberta’s OHS Code, employers must ensure machinery has appropriate guards, cannot be easily tampered with, and that employees are properly trained to operate them safely.
Machine guards protect against:
✔ Rotating parts (e.g., gears, pulleys)
✔ Pinch points (e.g., rollers, presses)
✔ Flying debris (e.g., sparks, shavings)
✔ Cutting hazards (e.g., saws, blades)
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!
