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Why OH&S Inspections Happen
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.
What to Do During an OH&S Inspection
- 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!
How we help
How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help
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! 🚀
About the author
John Duplessis, B.Sc., CRSP
John Duplessis is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional with more than 30 years of occupational health and safety experience in oil and gas, construction, green energy, midstream operations, and industrial project work.
