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As a business owner, occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements are an important aspect of your day-to-day operations, but they are too often complex and confusing. Trying to navigate all the rules and regulations of workplace health and safety can be daunting, expensive, and time-consuming, but it doesn’t need to be.

Why workplace safety is important to your business:

  • It is required by law. Employers must ensure their workers are protected at the workplace. There are monetary and even criminal charges for non-compliance.
  • It is the right thing to do. No one wants to see workers injured or suffering when it could be avoided.
  • Accidents are costly. Losses are expensive whether it involves workers or equipment.
  • Improves productivity & reduces lost time.
  • Creates a competitive advantage: employees want to work for safe workplaces.
  • It is good for your business’ reputation.
  • A good safety record reduces the cost of workers’ compensation premiums and may also reduce the cost of general liability insurance.
Cost of Non-Compliance OHS by Province Tips and Advice on OHS Workplace Wellness More Resources

The Cost of Non-Compliance

Employers generally must ensure the workplace and equipment are safe and the health and safety policies and procedures are being followed. OHS officers across jurisdictions can conduct inspections to determine if workplaces comply with the required health and safety regulations.

Non-compliance means that a business is not following the guidelines, rules and regulations set out by the jurisdiction. Fines and convictions for an offence under the OHS Act vary across the country, and if you fail to comply with the rules that apply to your business, it could cost you:

Jurisdiction Fines
Alberta Up to $500,000 for a first offence
British Columbia Up to $783,068.26
Federal Up to $1,000,000
Manitoba Up to $500,000 for a first offence
New Brunswick Up to $250,000
Newfoundland and Labrador Up to $250,000
Northwest Territories Up to $500,000
Nova Scotia Up to $250,000 for a first offence, up to $500,000 for subsequent offences.
Nunavut Up to $500,000
Ontario Up to $500,000; up to $2M for a corporation
Prince Edward Island Up to $250,000
Quebec Up to $1,500 ($3,000 for a corporation) for a first offence, up to $6,000 ($12,000) for subsequent offences.
Saskatchewan Up to $100,000 for a first offence
Yukon Up to $150,000 for a first offence

OHS by Province

In Canada, OHS requirements are set by the federal government for federally regulated employers and by each province or territory for non-federally regulated employers. While the laws across the country have many things in common, there are enough differences to make compliance - especially if you have locations in multiple jurisdictions - challenging. Follow the links below to find the requirements for each jurisdiction.

CFIB Templates Helping Small Businesses with Health and Safety Compliance:

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Health and Safety Policy

Implementing a Health and Safety Policy is mandated in most Canadian jurisdictions. Use our template to make sure your business meets its obligations.
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Anti-Violence Policy

Compliance is key and an anti-violence policy may be a requirement in your province.

✦ More Human Resources and Health & Safety support for small business:

  • HRNow! Concierge – 50+ member-exclusive policy templates, checklists and posters with a combined value of over $43,000 and customizable to meet the needs of your business
  • Access to one-on-one tailored advice from dedicated Business Advisors across the country
  • Extensive library of webinars on topics ranging from employee management to wellness to cybersecurity
  • And much more…

✦ In addition, CFIB offers:

  • A Voice for your Business: we advocate on behalf of small business and influence public policy based on our members’ views
  • Exclusive Savings and Benefits: we work with carefully selected partners to provide great rates on essential services for your business.
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Tips and Advice on Occupational Health and Safety

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  • Occupational Health and Safety

Introducing wellness into the workplace

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Workplace Wellness

Occupational Health & Safety is closely tied with emotional wellbeing. Enhancing wellness in your business pays off for you and your employees. Discover useful tips and practical advice on how to introduce and promote wellness in your workplace.

Visit our Workplace Wellness Hub where you’ll find free articles, templates, and printable posters to help you create a workplace that prioritizes wellness.

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Find More Resources Through our Savings Partners:

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Vubiz offers a range of FREE online courses to help you grow your business and manage your employees. Check out “Accident Investigation” to learn how to investigate workplace accidents and incidents and prevent similar occurrences, or the popular “WHMIS” which is training on how to handle hazardous materials and is required for most businesses.

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In business for your business. Since 1971. With over 97,000 members across every industry and region, CFIB is Canada's largest association of small and medium-sized businesses. We're here to help. Please contact us and we'll make sure you get the information you need. Please call 1-833-568-2342.

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