On this page
Quick answer
What Is OH&S Due Diligence?
In simple terms, due diligence in OH&S means you took all reasonable steps to keep workers safe. It’s more than paperwork—it’s about your actual efforts:
- Identifying hazards proactively
- Training staff and supervisors to spot and control those hazards
- Documenting everything: inspections, incidents, audits
- Acting on issues—don’t just note them; fix them
WorkSafeBC puts it well: “Due diligence requires taking all reasonable steps to protect workers from harm.” (WorkSafeBC)
CCOHS extends that definition, saying employers must have written policies, audit regularly, provide training, empower supervisors, encourage reporting (even near-misses), and document everything (CCOHS).
That’s not bureaucracy—it’s solid risk management, legal protection, and a foundation for safety culture.
Why Is OH&S Due Diligence So Important?
1. Prevent Injuries and Incidents
Data doesn’t lie. The ILO estimates that 374 million workers suffer non-fatal work injuries each year, and that lost work days cost almost 4% of world GDP (ILO). In Canada, fatal and serious incidents still occur—many of which are preventable.
Due diligence isn’t about paperwork—it saves lives and prevents pain.
2. Legal Protection Through Compliance
Across provinces, OH&S laws make you responsible for “reasonably practicable” precautions.
In Alberta (OH&S Code Part 2 & 12), BC (Part 4, 8, 11), and federally (Canada Labour Code Part II), due diligence is a legal duty: breach it, and you’re potentially facing fines or criminal charges—as happened under Bill C‑45 (Westray amendments) (CCOHS).
Even owners can be held liable unless they can prove they did their due diligence (Cassels).
3. Builds Trust with Team, Clients, and Regulators
When staff see you actively managing hazards, training, and improving—not just posting policies—they feel safer and more engaged.
Clients and whomever they’re dealing with (contractors, insurers, regulators) also notice serious employers who demonstrate care. That’s credibility you can’t fake.
What OH&S Due Diligence Looks Like in Practice
Here’s a quick snapshot of a robust due diligence program:
- Written OH&S policies, procedures, SWPs & JHAs — documented and accessible (WorkSafeBC)
- Hazard assessments & risk control plans — before and during operations
- Training & orientation — for new hires, supervisors, tools, equipment
- Supervisor competency — they understand hazards, enforce rules, and conduct inspections (CCOHS)
- Reported incidents & near misses — investigated, recorded, corrected
- Regular workplace inspections & audits — with documented corrective actions
- Documentation — logs, minutes, training records, inspections (epe.lac-bac.gc.ca)
- Continuous improvement — feedback loops, updates, annual reviews
How we help
How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help You Lead OH&S Due Diligence
If you’re nodding—”Yes, but it’s a lot!”—we get it. That’s where Calgary Safety Consultants come in.
Health and Safety Program Development
We help you build or refine your OH&S manual, aligned with Alberta and BC regulations, COR standards, ISO 45001, and industry best practices. That includes policies, SWPs, JHAs, inspection tools, and audit programs. No fluff—just actionable tools.
Hazard Assessments & Worksite Inspections
Whether it’s a warehouse full of door and window units or field installations, we conduct hazard assessments and site inspections, then hand over detailed reports and correction plans that support due diligence.
Supervisor Training
Supervisors do the heavy lifting—literally and figuratively. We provide training so they can identify risks, lead toolbox talks, and maintain compliance—exactly as WorkSafeBC expects (bhhcsafetycenter.com).
Incident & Near-Miss Investigations
Got a close call or accident? We run objective investigations, identify root causes, document findings, and help implement controls to reduce future risk—all essential to due diligence.
Documentation Support
Don’t worry about formatting or storing documents. We create inspection checklists, training logs, incident forms, and maintain version control—so your binder doesn’t just sit there gathering dust.
Ongoing Audits & Reviews
Due diligence is a cycle, not a one-time project. We run annual or semi-annual internal audits and support your continuous improvement process.
Example: Window & Door Companies
Let’s say a window and door company engages Calgary Safety Consultants. Here’s what might unfold:
- Kickoff & Planning
We identify your risks—inventory, forklift ops, glazing, working at heights. - Policy & Procedure Setup
Customized OH&S manual, SWPs, JHAs for glass handling, forklift driving, install crews, etc. - Training the Crew
Field workers & office staff get orientation and skill-building on hazards and safe practices. - Regular Inspections
We audit warehouse racks, loading zones, and shop floors monthly with checklists and corrective tracking. - Incident Response & Documentation
Near-miss reporting is encouraged; every documented investigation feeds learning back into policy. - Annual Audit & Refinement
One year later, we re-audit, update manuals, add new SWPs, and retrain as needed.
By the end, not only have you significantly reduced risk—you’ve got a well-documented due diligence framework, legal defensibility, and a safety-first culture.
Due Diligence Snapshot
What You Do |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|
|
Identify hazards & control them |
Prevents incidents before they happen |
|
Write policies, train, and supervise |
Meets legal requirements and builds awareness |
|
Document inspections & incidents |
Creates a clear record showing you cared |
|
Act on findings and update systems |
Shows ongoing commitment and improvement |
|
Engage Calgary Safety Consultants |
Get expert help and save time + risk |
Final Thought
OH&S Due Diligence isn’t just administrative overhead—it’s your arsenal against accidents, audits, and liability. It saves money, lives, reputations, and sleep. And companies that embrace it—like Calgary Safety Consultants’ clients—see stronger safety culture, better retention, and client trust.
If you want to move your OH&S program from “we have a binder” to “we live by this every day,” give Calgary Safety Consultants a shout. We’ll help you build a safety flagship—one that aligns with Alberta and BC regulations, supports ISO or COR ambitions, and protects the people who make your business succeed.
And if you need help getting there? We’ve got your back. Contact Calgary Safety Consultants for your complimentary consult to explore tailored OH&S solutions that drive real results.
Stay safe!
References for Further Reading
- CCOHS “Due Diligence” definition and program outline: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/legisl/diligence.html
- WorkSafeBC due diligence guidance: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/create-manage/enhancing-culture-performance/due-diligence (worksafebc.com)
- Employers’ obligations and documentation (Bullivant LLP): https://www.bullivant.ca/what-does-due-diligence-mean-under-the-occupational-health-safety-act/ (BULLIVANT Health + Safety)
- “Reasonably practicable” standard: https://bhhcsafetycenter.com/ohs-legislation-in-canada-due-diligence-fact-sheets/ (bhhcsafetycenter.com)
Stay safe out there—and if you want help nailing this down, we’re just one click away.
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.
