Health and Safety: Your Responsibilities as an Employer

Health and safety in the workplace is a cornerstone of Canadian employment law. Employers across the country are legally required to provide safe and healthy working conditions, but the specific rules and regulations vary by jurisdiction.

Federally regulated industries (e.g. air and rail transportation, telecommunications, banking) must comply with the Canada Labour Code, while most employers fall under provincial or territorial occupational health and safety laws.

At a national level, employers must:

• Identify hazards

• Control risks

• Train employees to perform duties safely

Workers are entitled to three basic rights under Canadian law:

1. The right to know about hazards

2. The right to participate in health and safety discussions

3. The right to refuse unsafe work

Meeting these obligations involves developing workplace health and safety policies, training staff, providing protective equipment, and reporting incidents in accordance with legal requirements.

Provincial and Territorial Requirements

Each province and territory has its own health and safety authority that enforces legislation. Below are key regulators and resources (clickable links):

• New Brunswick – Occupational Health and Safety Act, administered by WorkSafeNB. Joint committees required for 20+ employees.WorkSafeNB – Employer Resources

• Nova Scotia – Occupational Health and Safety Act, enforced by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration. Written safety programs required in larger workplaces.Nova Scotia Health & SafetyNova Scotia OH&S Resources (Toolkit)

• Prince Edward Island – Occupational Health and Safety Act, overseen by the Workers Compensation Board of PEI. Employers must conduct hazard assessments and report incidents.WCB PEI – OHS Act & Regulations wcb.pe.caWCB PEI – Occupational Health & Safety Courses psc.gpei.ca

• Newfoundland and Labrador – Occupational Health and Safety Act, administered by WorkplaceNL and the OHS Branch of Digital Government and Service NL. Committees required for 10+ employees.WorkplaceNL – OHS Policy & Program WorkplaceNLNL Government OHS Division Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Quebec – Act respecting occupational health and safety, enforced by CNESST. Employers must implement prevention programs and respect the right to refuse dangerous work.CNESST ( Québec OHS ) CNESST

• Ontario – Occupational Health and Safety Act, enforced by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Mandatory safety awareness training required.Ontario – Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) OntarioOntario – Workplace Health and Safety Resource Page Ontario

• Manitoba – Workplace Safety and Health Act, overseen by Workplace Safety and Health, Manitoba. Employers must provide safe equipment and training.Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health (Government site via CCOHS directory) CCOHS+1

• Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Employment Act, enforced by WorkSafe Saskatchewan. Employers must develop occupational health and safety programs.WorkSafe Saskatchewan – OHS / Reporting / Resources WorkSafe SaskatchewanWorkSafe Saskatchewan Main Site WorkSafe Saskatchewan+1

• Alberta – Occupational Health and Safety Act, administered by Alberta OHS. Employers must conduct hazard assessments and maintain health and safety committees.Alberta OHS – Occupational Health & Safety Alberta.caAlberta OHS – Act, Regulation & Code Alberta.ca

• British Columbia – Workers Compensation Act and regulations, administered by WorkSafeBC. Employers must establish committees, conduct risk assessments, and train workers.WorkSafeBC – OHS Regulation & Resources

• Yukon – Occupational Health and Safety Act, enforced by Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board. Employers must conduct inspections and provide training.Yukon WCB / OHS Board Workers' Safety and Compensation Board+1

• Northwest Territories & Nunavut – Safety Acts, enforced by Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC). Employers must have workplace safety programs and training.WSCC NWT/Nunavut – OHS / Health & Safety WSCC

Why Compliance Matters

While the specific requirements vary from one province to another, the principle is the same across Canada. Employers must take every reasonable precaution to protect employees and maintain a safe workplace. Failure to comply can result in fines, penalties, reputational damage, and higher workers’ compensation premiums. Beyond the legal risks, prioritizing health and safety creates a more positive workplace culture, improves productivity, and helps retain talent in a competitive labour market.

Staying Current

Employers can stay up to date by subscribing to updates from their provincial or territorial health and safety regulator. Many regulators also provide free training modules, workplace templates, and compliance checklists. Consulting with human resources or legal advisors ensures that workplace policies remain compliant with evolving standards. Regularly reviewing legislation and encouraging active participation from health and safety committees will help businesses remain proactive and compliant.

Workplace health and safety is not just a legal requirement, it is a commitment to protecting the people who drive your business forward. By understanding and complying with federal, provincial, and territorial regulations, employers can minimize risks, foster a culture of safety, and create an environment where employees feel valued and secure. Staying proactive, keeping policies up to date, and engaging workers in safety initiatives will not only ensure compliance but also contribute to long term organizational success.