You can have the tightest safety policies in the world inside your walls—but if the vendors and contractors you bring in aren’t playing by the same rules, you’re still at risk.
Let’s face it: supply chains are more complex than ever, and with complexity comes risk. From equipment rental companies to third-party cleaning crews, to temporary labour providers and shipping partners—every one of those relationships carries legal and reputational implications for your business.
If they cut corners, you wear it. If they violate safety standards, your name is on the line too.
So, what does that mean for you as a Canadian employer?
It means that OH&S compliance doesn’t stop at your front gate. It has to extend all the way down the chain—from your largest vendors to your smallest subcontractors.
And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this post.
Let’s talk about risk by association.
Say a vendor shows up to your site with poorly trained workers, no PPE, and outdated procedures. They’re technically not your employees, right? But they’re on your site. They’re doing work under your contract. If something goes wrong, you’re the one fielding questions from the regulator.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of every worker on their site, including contractors and sub-contractors.
Reference:
https://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/contractor_safety
The same goes for Alberta under the OHS Act: employers must ensure that all work performed under their control—directly or through others—is done safely and in accordance with applicable laws.
Reference:
https://www.alberta.ca/employer-responsibilities
That means you can’t just say “That’s their problem” when something goes sideways. If they’re in your chain, they’re in your scope.
These aren’t hypothetical situations. Here’s what we’ve seen in the field:
Now ask yourself—would your team catch this before it became a problem? Or would your organization assume the vendor “had it handled”?
Spoiler: assuming is a fast track to fines, injuries, and COR audit failures.
You can’t manage what you don’t track. That’s why proactive businesses build systems that make OH&S expectations clear—and enforceable—throughout the supply chain.
Here’s how to get started.
Before signing contracts, ask:
Don’t rely on verbal assurance. Request proof, and keep it on file.
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we help businesses develop vendor pre-qualification checklists and procurement templates that make safety a requirement—not an afterthought.
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/consulting/
It’s not enough to talk about safety—you have to bake it into the contract.
Include clauses that:
This protects you legally and sets clear expectations from Day One.
We review and help develop contract safety language that aligns with Canadian OH&S law and supports your COR compliance.
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/cor-auditing/
Anyone entering your site—whether they’re your employee or a temp from a staffing agency—needs orientation. That includes:
A five-minute talk at the gate doesn’t cut it. If something happens, “They weren’t ours” won’t hold up in court.
We build customized contractor orientation packages that can be delivered in person or digitally, depending on your operation.
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/online-training/
Would you let your own crews skip toolbox talks, or ignore near-miss reporting? Then don’t let your vendors do it either.
Schedule regular:
And if a vendor consistently underperforms on safety, hold them accountable—or reconsider the relationship.
We offer joint audit programs that involve both you and your vendors, making it easier to align expectations and uncover hidden risks.
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca
Your vendors reflect your brand.
If you’ve built a safety-first culture internally, but bring in contractors who are rushing jobs, ignoring lockouts, or bypassing PPE, your team gets mixed messages. Eventually, that erodes your culture from the outside in.
Bring vendors into safety meetings when possible. Invite them to participate in incident reviews. Recognize safe performance—just like you would with your own employees.
If you're serious about culture, it has to be contagious.
The biggest challenges we see?
These gaps aren’t just frustrating. They’re dangerous. And they can knock points off your COR score or get you flagged in a regulatory inspection.
We work with companies across Alberta and beyond to simplify supply chain safety and reduce the liability that comes from vendor non-compliance.
Here’s what we offer:
Whether you work with five vendors or fifty, we’ll help you put a system in place that makes sure they don’t become your weakest link.
Start here: https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca
Supply chains are partnerships—and in OH&S, that means shared risk. You can’t afford to outsource safety expectations and hope your vendors are doing it right.
Because at the end of the day, when someone shows up to your job site, it’s your name on the sign—and your responsibility to make sure everyone goes home safe.
If you’re ready to tighten up your supply chain compliance, Calgary Safety Consultants is here to guide you! Contact Calgary Safety Consultants for your complimentary consult to explore tailored OH&S solutions that drive real results.
Vendors and contractors work within your business operations, meaning their safety standards directly impact your workplace. Poor compliance can lead to accidents, fines, and legal issues.
Regular audits should be done based on risk levels, industry standards, and contract requirements. High-risk industries may require more frequent checks.
Because under Canadian OH&S law, employers are responsible for the health and safety of all workers on their site—including third-party contractors and vendors.
You should request WCB clearance, COR or SECOR certificates, safety manuals, and training documentation. Calgary Safety Consultants can help build these screening tools.
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!
