OHS Order Resolution
Boreal Safety Solutions provides practical, experienced support to organizations navigating OHS orders, inspections, and investigations. We assist with responding to regulatory requirements, coordinating corrective actions, and implementing any changes ordered to your OHS programs.
From documentation updates to on-site follow-up and compliance verification, our focus is on helping you achieve timely compliance, reduce risk, and restore confidence with regulators while maintaining safe, effective operations.
What is An OHS Inspection?
An occupational health and safety (OHS) inspection is a formal workplace visit conducted by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety officers to ensure an employer is complying with provincial legislation.
During the inspection, officers may review worksite conditions, observe job tasks, examine equipment, and assess whether proper safety procedures, training, and controls are in place. They may also speak with workers and supervisors to verify that safety practices are followed.
The purpose of these inspections is to enforce compliance and prevent workplace incidents by identifying hazards or violations of law. If concerns are found, officers may issue orders requiring corrective action within a specific timeframe. In more serious cases, stop-work orders can be issues.
These inspections help ensure that employers are meeting their legal responsibilities and maintaining a safe work environment for all workers.
What is An OHS Investigation?
An occupational health and safety (OHS) investigation is a formal process carried out by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety officers following a serious workplace incident. These investigations are conducted to determine what happened, identify causes, and assess whether there were any violations of provincial safety legislation. Officers may examine the incident scene, collect evidence, interview workers and supervisors, and review company policies, procedures, and training records.
OHS officers typically investigate incidents that meet specific reporting criteria, including fatalities, injuries requiring hospitalization, unplanned explosions or fires, structural collapses, or incidents that have the potential to cause serious harm. The goal is to determine root cause and ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent recurrence. Depending on the findings, officers may issue orders, administrative penalties, or pursue further enforcement actions to ensure compliance and improve workplace safety.
What is A OHS Order?
An occupational health and safety (OHS) order is a formal directive issued by an OHS officer when a workplace is found to be in violation of health and safety legislation or when a hazard requires immediate correction. In Alberta, these orders are issued during inspections or investigations to ensure that employers take specific actions to address unsafe conditions, improve compliance, or prevent further risk to workers.
OHS orders can require a range of corrective actions, such as fixing hazards, updating safety procedures, providing proper training, or stopping work in dangerous areas until issues are resolved. They are legally enforceable, meaning employers must comply within the specified timeframe. Failure to comply can result in further enforcement action, including fines or additional penalties.
How to Know When You Need Support
Knowing when you need support often comes down to recognizing gaps in your system or uncertainty in meeting legal requirements. If your workplace is experiencing incidents, near misses, or recurring hazards, it may indicate that current controls are not effective and external expertise is needed to strengthen your safety program. Similarly, if supervisors or management are unsure how to properly conduct investigations, inspections, or hazard assessments, support can help ensure these processes are done correctly and consistently.
Support is also important when dealing with regulatory involvement, such as inspections or investigations by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. If your organization receives orders, is unsure how to respond, or needs help interpreting legal requirements, professional guidance can reduce risk and ensure compliance. Additional support is also valuable during times of growth, operational change, or when building or improving a safety management system to ensure it meets best practices and legislative expectations.
OHS Order Resolution with Boreal Safety Solutions
Boreal Safety Solutions provides practical, hands-on support to help organizations comply with corrective actions issued by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. When an order is received, Boreal Safety Solutions will work with management and supervisors to interpret the requirements, develop an action plan, and implement the necessary changes to meet compliance within the required timelines.
This support may include updating safe work procedures, improving hazard controls, conducting training, or assisting with documentation and evidence required for closure of the order. Boreal Safety Solutions can communicate directly with OHS officers on behalf of the employer, providing updates and clarification as needed. The goal is to ensure orders are resolved efficiently, effectively, and in a way that strengthens the organization’s safety system.