Hey Calgary business owners! If you operate a business in Alberta, there’s something you absolutely need to know—you’re legally required to comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation. And we get it: between running operations, managing your team, and staying profitable, keeping up with compliance can feel overwhelming. That’s why one of the most common questions we hear is, “What’s the bare minimum I need to do to stay compliant?”
Whether you're launching your first startup, scaling a small business, or managing a growing operation, it’s crucial to understand the non-negotiables that keep your workplace safe—and keep you out of legal hot water. The truth is, compliance isn't just about avoiding fines (though that’s a big one); it’s also about protecting your people, your brand, and your bottom line.
Not everything can be covered here—there will always be some ad hoc requirements that depend on your specific business type or industry. No single blog can capture everything you might need for full compliance, but we can offer a solid opinion on what the bare minimum should look like.
1. Understanding Alberta’s OH&S Laws
Alberta’s workplace safety regulations are built around three key documents:
Learn more here: https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-act-regulation-code
2. Appoint a Safety Rep or Committee
Alberta law requires:
These roles are essential to making sure safety concerns are addressed before they turn into major issues.
More details on OH&S committee requirements: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/occupational-health-and-safety-act-workplace-ohs-ab
3. Create a Basic Health & Safety Program
You must have a formal health and safety program. At a minimum, this should include:
✔️ A written health and safety policy
✔️ Hazard assessments and controls
✔️ Emergency response plans
✔️ Roles and responsibilities for workers and supervisors
✔️ Regular workplace inspections
✔️ Training programs for employees
A proper safety program keeps your workers protected and helps lower your WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) premiums!
Guide to OH&S program basics: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/occupational-health-and-safety-act-workplace-ohs-ab
4. Have a Violence & Harassment Prevention Plan
Since 2018, Alberta law requires all employers to have a violence and harassment prevention plan in place. This must include:
Failing to have a harassment policy could result in hefty fines or legal trouble.
Recent changes to Alberta’s OH&S rules: https://www.employmentandlabour.com/recent-amendments-to-albertas-occupational-health-and-safety-code-simplify-the-requirements-for-workplace-health-and-safety-policies
5. Train Your Employees & Provide PPE
Every worker needs to know how to do their job safely. That means:
Proper training doesn’t just prevent injuries—it protects your business from liability in case of an accident.
🔗 Guide to Alberta OH&S training requirements: https://thinksafetysolutions.com/complete-guide-to-alberta-ohs-act-compliance
OH&S compliance can feel overwhelming—but that’s where we come in! At Calgary Safety Consultants, we specialize in helping businesses like yours stay compliant, safe, and WCB-friendly.
Here’s what we can do for you:
OH&S compliance isn’t just about checking boxes or avoiding fines—it’s about building a foundation of trust, accountability, and care within your organization. When you prioritize health and safety, you’re doing more than following the law—you’re actively protecting your team from harm, your business from costly disruptions, and your reputation from damage that can be difficult to repair.
Book your complimentary consultation today.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!
Businesses can face fines up to $500,000 for a first offense, with repeated violations leading to even higher penalties.
If you have 5-19 employees, you need a Health and Safety Representative. If you have 20 or more employees, you must establish a Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee.
Failure to meet OH&S standards can result in hefty fines, stop-work orders, legal issues, and increased WCB premiums. It can also damage your company’s reputation and increase workplace injury risks.
Start with a hazard assessment and review your workplace policies and training programs. Need expert help? Contact Calgary Safety Consultants today!
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!
