Remote work is here to stay. Love it or hate it, Calgary businesses have embraced remote and hybrid work models to stay flexible, cut costs, and keep employees happy. But what about safety? When we think about occupational health and safety (OH&S), we often picture construction sites, warehouses, or busy office spaces—not someone working from their kitchen table in their pajamas.
The reality? Remote work comes with its own safety risks—and as an employer, you’re still responsible for ensuring a safe work environment, even when your employees are at home. Let’s dive into the hidden hazards of remote work, what OH&S laws say, and how Calgary Safety Consultants can help your business stay compliant.
Picture this: Your employee spends eight hours a day slouched over a laptop at their dining room table. Fast forward a few months, and they’re dealing with chronic back pain, wrist strain, or even migraines. Poor ergonomics can lead to:
✅ Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – Back pain, carpal tunnel, and neck stiffness.
✅ Reduced productivity – If employees are uncomfortable, their focus drops.
✅ Increased sick days – Pain can lead to more time off work.
What can you do?
📌 Reference: A study by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) highlights how ergonomic risks increase in home offices:
http://www.ccohs.ca/topics/hazards/ergonomics/homeoffice/
How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we can perform virtual ergonomic assessments, providing customized recommendations to improve employee workspaces and reduce injury risks. Learn more at calgarysafetyconsultants.ca.
Most people don’t think twice about safety when working from home. But home offices aren’t built like commercial workplaces—they often have:
⚡ Overloaded power strips (laptops, monitors, chargers, printers)
🔥 Improper extension cord use (tripping hazards, overheating risks)
🔌 Old or unsafe wiring (especially in older Calgary homes)
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures are a leading cause of home fires. If employees aren’t following basic safety measures, they could be putting themselves—and your business—at risk.
📌 Reference: NFPA’s report on home electrical fires:
http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Electrical/Home-Electrical-Fires
What can you do?
How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help
We can provide safety training on electrical hazards and create remote work safety policies tailored to your business. Need a workplace fire safety checklist? We’ve got you covered.
Remote work is great for flexibility, but it can be isolating. Employees working alone can struggle with:
😞 Loneliness & depression – Lack of interaction impacts mental health.
📉 Burnout – Remote employees often work longer hours with fewer breaks.
🕵️ Disengagement – Feeling disconnected from the company culture.
Mental health is a workplace safety issue. A 2023 report from the Mental Health Commission of Canada found that workers in isolation face increased stress, anxiety, and depression risks.
📌 Reference: Mental Health Commission of Canada’s workplace mental health guidelines:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/workplace
What can you do?
How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help
We can help you develop workplace mental health policies that support employee well-being while keeping your business compliant with OH&S standards.
Here’s the big question: Are employers still responsible for remote workers’ safety?
Short answer: Yes!
Under Alberta’s OH&S Act, employers must take reasonable steps to ensure a safe work environment—even when employees work from home.
This means:
✔ Identifying and mitigating workplace hazards (ergonomics, electrical risks, mental health).
✔ Providing training on workplace safety (even for remote teams).
✔ Documenting policies to ensure compliance with OH&S regulations.
📌 Reference: Alberta’s OH&S legislation:
http://www.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety.aspx
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we can help Calgary businesses develop remote work safety policies, conduct risk assessments, and ensure compliance with Alberta OH&S laws.
Remote work is here to stay, but safety shouldn’t take a backseat. Whether it’s ergonomics, electrical hazards, mental health, or legal compliance, Calgary businesses need to take remote work safety seriously.
🔹 Need help making your remote work policy OH&S-compliant?
🔹 Looking for virtual ergonomic assessments or safety training?
Let’s talk! Book your complimentary consultation today.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!
Employers are still responsible for ensuring the safety of remote workers under Alberta OH&S regulations. This includes providing guidance on ergonomic setups, hazard identification, and mental health resources to ensure employees are safe and productive at home.
Employers in Alberta are required to ensure a safe work environment for employees, even when they work from home. This includes assessing risks like ergonomics and mental health challenges.
Employers can implement mental health programs, offer access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and encourage regular check-ins with employees.
Yes! Under Alberta’s OH&S Act, employers are responsible for ensuring a safe work environment, even for remote and hybrid employees.
Ergonomics (poor posture, back pain), electrical hazards (overloaded outlets, fire risks), and mental health challenges (isolation, burnout) are major concerns.
Consider offering ergonomic assessments, providing a stipend for office furniture, and training employees on proper workstation setup.
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!
