How to Prepare for an OH&S Inspection: A Calgary Business Guide

You’re getting an OH&S inspection. No need to panic! Whether it’s a routine visit or triggered by an incident, being prepared can make the difference between a smooth experience and a costly headache.

At Calgary Safety Consultants, we’ve helped businesses across industries ace their inspections and build safer workplaces. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a practical checklist, share expert tips, and show you how we can help your business stay OH&S-compliant—so you can focus on what you do best!

Alberta’s OH&S inspectors may show up for several reasons:

✅ Routine Inspections – Random checks to ensure compliance.
✅ Incident-Triggered Inspections – If an injury, complaint, or near-miss occurs.
✅ Follow-Ups – To verify previous issues have been fixed.
✅ Industry-Specific Focus – High-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and oil & gas are inspected more often.

Failing an inspection can lead to hefty fines, stop-work orders, or worse—serious workplace injuries. But don’t worry! A little preparation goes a long way.

Your Ultimate OH&S Inspection Checklist

📌 1. Know Your OH&S Responsibilities

Start by reviewing Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation, and Code (Alberta OH&S). Every employer is legally responsible for providing a safe workplace.

Action Items:
✅ Ensure all staff understand their roles in workplace safety.
✅ Appoint a competent person (Safety Coordinator or Manager) to handle inspections.
✅ Have clear written policies for hazard assessments, PPE, emergency procedures, and incident reporting.

📌 2. Keep Your Safety Paperwork in Check

Nothing slows down an inspection like missing documents. OH&S inspectors will ask to see:

Hazard assessments (regularly updated).
Safety policies & procedures (written and accessible).
Training records (PPE use, WHMIS, first aid, etc.).
Incident reports & investigations (all injuries, near-misses).
Equipment inspection logs (cranes, forklifts, ladders).

Tip: Store these documents in a centralized, easy-to-access location—digitally and physically.

📌 3. Conduct a Mock OH&S Inspection

Practice makes perfect! A surprise inspection won’t be stressful if you already know what to expect.

Action Items:
✅ Walk through your workplace like an inspector would.
✅ Look for hazards—slips, falls, electrical risks, blocked exits.
✅ Check if safety signage is visible (emergency exits, PPE reminders).
✅ Inspect fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, eyewash stations.
✅ Test emergency drills and worker response times.

🚀 Pro Tip: Calgary Safety Consultants offers mock inspections to help you spot and fix compliance gaps before the real thing!

📌 4. Engage Your Employees

OH&S inspectors may interview employees to see if they understand workplace safety protocols. A well-trained team = a confident, compliant workplace.

Action Items:
✅ Train employees on hazard recognition and emergency procedures.
✅ Ensure all workers wear required PPE.
✅ Hold toolbox talks and safety meetings regularly.
✅ Encourage workers to report hazards without fear of retaliation.

📌 5. Correct Any Safety Hazards—NOW!

If you see an issue, don’t wait for an inspector to find it! Fix hazards immediately and document your corrective actions.

 Common OH&S Violations in Calgary Businesses:

•  Lack of fall protection for workers at heights.
•  Unsafe electrical setups or overloaded circuits.
•  Missing or improper use of PPE.
•  Inadequate emergency exits and fire safety measures.
•  Lack of worker safety training.

 How We Can Help: Calgary Safety Consultants conducts hazard assessments and helps you implement fixes before OH&S shows up.

• Welcome the inspector professionally and ask about the scope of the visit.
• Provide requested documents promptly.
• Accompany the inspector during their walk-through.
• Encourage employees to answer questions honestly (but stick to the facts).
• Take notes on findings and ask for clarification if needed.

If violations are found, don’t argue—fix them ASAP!

We know OH&S compliance can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in!

✔️ Mock Inspections – Identify and fix issues before an inspector does.
✔️ Safety Training – WHMIS, first aid, PPE, fall protection, and more.
✔️ Policy & Procedure Development – Custom safety manuals for your business.
✔️ Hazard Assessments – Proactively identify and mitigate risks.
✔️ Incident Investigation Support – Ensure proper reporting and corrective action.

Need help preparing for an OH&S inspection? Book your complimentary consultation today.

Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!

References:

• Government of Alberta. (2024). Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation, and Code. Available here
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). (2024). Workplace Inspections. Available here
• Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta. (2024). Employer Responsibilities. Available here

By following these steps, you can confidently pass an OH&S inspection and create a safer, legally compliant workplace. Ready to get started? We’re here to help! 🚀