This article summarizes the Canadian legislation and the agencies across Canada that are tasked to promote, coordinate, administer and enforce occupational health and safety regulations with the goal of reducing worker injury and illness.

FEDERAL JURISDICTIONS

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) works to improve the standard of living and quality of life for all Canadians by promoting a labour force that is highly skilled.

Pursuant to Canada Labour Code, Part II

Part II of the Canada Labour Code relates to occupational health and safety and reflects the desire to reduce workplace injuries and accidents in federal jurisdiction. The link below offers a simplified version of the major responsibilities for occupational health and safety for both employers and employees subject to the Canada Labour Code.

Employment and Social Development Canada Website

PROVINCIAL / TERRITORIAL JURISDICTIONS (in alphabetical order)

Alberta

Government of Alberta

As made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, rules for health, safety and wellness in Alberta’s workplaces fall under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code. OHS enforces compliance with provincial laws through work site inspections, orders, penalties, violation tickets and other measures.

Alberta – OHS Act, Regulation and Code

British Columbia

WorkSafe BC

WorkSafeBC administers the Workers Compensation Act for the British Columbia Ministry of Labour. WorkSafeBC has the legal authority to set and enforce occupational health and safety standards, assist injured or disabled workers, and assess employers and collect funds to operate WorkSafeBC.

Government of British Columbia – WorkSafeBC

WorkSafeBC

Manitoba

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Branch

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health is responsible for the legal aspect of keeping the province’s workers safe on the job. Workplace Safety and Health enforces The Workplace Safety and Health Act and its associated Regulations in order to protect the safety and health of workers in Manitoba.

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation, 2016

Safe Work Manitoba – Legislation

New Brunswick

WorkSafe NB

New Brunswick law protects employers’ and workers’ rights under five pieces of legislation and their regulations: the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal Act, the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Firefighters’ Compensation Act, and. the Smoke-Free Places Act.

SafeWorkNB – Acts and Regulations

Newfoundland and Labrador

Workplace NL

Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC)

Workplace NL follows the regulations outlined in the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act (the Act) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

WorkplaceNL – Health and Safety

Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Workers Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC)

The following legislation governs workplace health and safety in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut:

• Safety Act and Regulations
• Mine Health and Safety Act and Regulations
• Explosive Use Acts and Regulations
• Summary Convictions Procedures

For a complete listing of legislation, visit the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Justice website, or the Nunavut section of the Canadian Legal Information Institute website.

Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission – Safety Legislation

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education, OHS Division

The Occupational Health & Safety Division (OH&S) concentrates its efforts on safe and healthy workplaces, and work practices, and safety standards protecting the general public. made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, OHS First Aid Regulations,

Nova Scotia – Occupational Safety General Regulations

Ontario

Ontario Ministry of Labour

Preventing work-related illness and injury is the most important job at any workplace. The Ontario Ministry of Labour website shows prevention tips and the Safe At Work Ontario is the Ministry of Labour strategy to protect workers’ health and safety on the job. The ministry enforces the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Ontario Ministry of Labour – Health and Safety

Ontario – Occupation Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1

Prince Edward Island

Workers Compensation Board of PEI, Occupational Health and Safety Division

OHS Act & Regulations – The WCB is responsible for administering workplace safety legislation on Prince Edward Island. This legislation is the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The OHS Act and its Regulations describe the minimum standard of occupational health and safety on PEI and the general safety principles for Island workplaces.

Workers Compensation Board of PEI – OHS Acts & Regulations

Prince Edward Island – Government Home

Prince Edward Island – Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations

Quebec

Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail – Prévention

An Act respecting occupational health and safety (AOHS)(CQLR, c. S-2.1) Passed in 1979, this Act deals first and foremost with the prevention of work-related accidents and diseases. It created the CSST, now named CNESST, and entrusted this organization with its various mandates.

Commission de la santé et de la sécurité de traivail – Legislation (Français)

Commission de la santé et de la sécurité de traivail – Legislation (English)

Saskatchewan

Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Labour and Workplace Safety, OHS Division

Everyone in the workplace is legally responsible for workplace safety. The Saskatchewan Employment Act requires everyone to work together. The Saskatchewan Employment Act the word “duty” is used to describe responsibilities. Responsibility is an obligation for carrying out duties properly. Authority is the right to make decisions and direct the work of others. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations:

WorkSafe Saskatchewan – Occupational Health and Safety

Saskatchewan – Rights and Responsibilities in the Workplace

Yukon

Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board

The Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board is funded solely by Yukon employers and their job is preventing disability, providing compensation, service and support to Yukon workers injured on the job. The YWCHSB also promote workplace safety through training, inspection and compliance and investigations.

The Yukon Occupational Health and Safety Act

Yukon Worker’s Compensation Health and Safety Board – Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations