Alberta Workplace Health and Safety

Conditions in the workplace and workers' safety are the primary concerns of the Alberta Government’s Workplace Health and Safety  (WHS) department. The department is part of the Alberta Human Resources and Employment Department.  It is strongly recommended that all employers obtain copies of at least the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  There are numerous regulations in addition to the Act that can also be obtained on the department’s website.  Most employers would also benefit from knowing General Safety Regulation (AR 448/83 & 210/2000) and First Aid Regulation (AR 48/2000). There are further regulations that may apply to your business in relation to chemicals, hazardous goods, WHMIS, noise, ventilation and other concerns.

A suggestion is to review the WHS website and then contact a WHS field officer for ideas and recommendations pertaining to your line of business. They can direct you to publications, videos and training materials (e.g. for safety programs, WHMIS), and help you determine which requirements you must meet under the statutes. It may not be generally known, for example, that all businesses with more than one employee must have someone available with first aid training. The required qualification levels and numbers of qualified staff members increase with the numbers of employees and the nature of work activity.

You will benefit by obtaining WHS advice early, rather than receiving directives as a result of a complaint investigation, or subsequent to an accident at the premises. Failure to act on a WHS directive may lead to a partial or total shut down of your business. WHS personnel would prefer to help you comply with the Act and regulations rather than having to pursue you in respect of violations.  

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