Across Canada nothing makes a business owner’s stomach drop faster than seeing a formal Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) order show up at the office — except maybe a follow-up inspection where you know you haven’t fixed the problem yet.
If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. At Calgary Safety Consultants, we get a lot of calls from businesses who’ve just received an OH&S order or directive. The voice on the other end of the phone usually sounds the same — stressed, urgent, and worried about penalties, reputation, or even a potential shutdown.
Let’s talk about why these orders happen, what they mean, and most importantly — how you can turn things around so you’re not stuck reacting under pressure.
It’s easy to think non-compliance only happens in businesses that “don’t care” about safety. That’s not true.
In our experience, many violations come from businesses that do care, but:
Some businesses think they’re compliant because they have a safety policy posted on the wall or a binder labelled “OH&S Manual” on the shelf. Unfortunately, OH&S officers aren’t looking for symbolic gestures — they want evidence that your safety program is active, effective, and followed by everyone.
Let’s be blunt: ignoring or half-fixing OH&S issues is expensive.
And there’s one more hidden cost: the stress and disruption that ripple through your entire team when an inspector’s order lands on your desk.
An OH&S officer doesn’t issue an order because they “caught you” in a game of gotcha. Orders are legal instructions that your business must correct a specific hazard, process gap, or compliance failure by a deadline.
Common examples we see include:
The good news? An OH&S order is not a death sentence for your business — it’s a call to action. If you respond quickly and completely, you can turn it into an opportunity to strengthen your safety systems.
If you’re holding that official paper in your hand, here’s the practical sequence we walk our clients through:
Orders have deadlines. Miss them and you’re in worse trouble — including possible prosecution under the OH&S Act (https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-compliance-enforcement).
Read the order carefully. Identify:
It’s not enough to “check the box.” If the order says you’re missing a hazard assessment, the real question is why. Was it never done? Was it done but not documented? Was it done but not updated? Fixing the cause prevents repeat orders.
This is where companies call Calgary Safety Consultants. We help:
When the officer comes back, you need proof — updated hazard assessments, training records, meeting minutes, inspection logs, etc. If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.
Compliance isn’t “one and done.” Build these fixes into your ongoing safety program.
Here’s the real win: get proactive so you don’t get that urgent knock on the door.
Every province has its own OH&S legislation. In Alberta, the OH&S Act, Regulation, and Code outline what you must do — from hazard assessments to emergency preparedness. You can review them here:
https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-act-regulation-code.aspx
But let’s be honest — the legislation is long and dense. This is why many businesses bring us in to translate it into a clear, company-specific compliance plan.
Self-audits (or third-party audits) help you find small issues before they become official orders. An annual OH&S program audit, using tools like the Alberta Construction Safety Association COR Audit Tool (https://www.youracsa.ca), keeps you in control.
A dusty binder doesn’t keep you compliant. Make sure:
The best safety programs aren’t top-down lectures — they’re team efforts. Build safety into toolbox talks, pre-job meetings, and day-to-day decision-making.
New equipment, new job tasks, or new hazards mean updating your safety program. Many orders happen because businesses didn’t re-assess hazards after changes in operations.
We’ve helped a lot of businesses respond to OH&S orders and, even better, avoid them entirely.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
If your business has already received an OH&S order, or if you want to avoid that stress entirely, you can learn more here:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca
A Calgary manufacturing company called us in a panic. An OH&S officer had issued three separate orders:
They had 10 business days to comply.
We stepped in, completed hazard assessments, conducted fit testing, set up a safety meeting schedule, and prepared all the documentation in just over a week. The follow-up inspection went smoothly — all orders were closed.
The client didn’t just pass the inspection; they adopted our recommendations as part of their regular safety process. They haven’t had another order since.
Fixing OH&S issues isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about protecting people and building a stronger business. Once the right systems are in place, staying compliant is easier than constantly scrambling to patch gaps.
And here’s the kicker — many fixes are low-cost compared to the penalties for ignoring them. Things like updating a hazard assessment, training staff, or setting up a committee often cost less than the price of a single day of downtime from a stop-work order.
Non-compliance with OH&S regulations doesn’t make you a bad employer. But ignoring it — or waiting until the government steps in — can turn a manageable issue into a costly crisis.
The best approach?
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we specialize in helping businesses across Canada meet and maintain OH&S compliance — whether you’ve already got an order in hand or just want to make sure one never arrives. If you’re ready to take the stress out of safety, reach out today:
Connect with us here and let us help you improve your OH&S practices.
Because a safer workplace starts with smarter policy. Let's build it together.
An OH&S order is a legally binding directive issued by an Occupational Health and Safety officer requiring a business to fix a specific safety hazard, process gap, or compliance failure by a set deadline.
Ignoring an OH&S order can lead to fines, stop-work orders, prosecution under the OH&S Act, and even criminal charges in serious cases.
The best way to prevent non-compliance is to regularly audit your safety program, keep hazard assessments and training up to date, and maintain accurate records.
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!
