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Introduction
Running a small business in Canada is no small feat. Between managing customers, payroll, marketing, and everything in between, health and safety might not always be top of mind. But here’s the thing: a safe and healthy workplace protects your team, keeps you compliant with the law, and actually saves you time and money in the long run.
Think of health and safety as more than rules and paperwork. It is about creating a work environment where your people feel supported and confident. When employees know you care about their well-being, they are more engaged and productive.
So where do you start? Here is a simple health and safety checklist designed to help small business owners cover the essentials without getting overwhelmed.
1. Know the rules in your province or territory
Health and safety laws vary across Canada. Each province and territory has its own occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation. For example, Ontario has the Occupational Health and Safety Act, while British Columbia operates under WorkSafeBC.
Tip: Visit your local OHS regulator’s website to understand the basics for your business. Bookmark it. You will thank yourself later when you need a quick answer.
2. Create a written health & safety policy
If you have more than a handful of employees, most provinces require you to have a health and safety policy in writing. Even if it is not legally required, a short, clear policy is a smart move.
Keep it simple. State your commitment to providing a safe workplace, outline how risks will be managed, and explain how employees can report hazards. Share it with your team so everyone is on the same page.
3. Identify and reduce hazards
Every workplace has risks. In an office, it might be ergonomic issues such as poor desk setups. In a café, it could be hot equipment or slippery floors. On a construction site, the risks are more obvious.
Action step: Walk through your workplace with “safety goggles” on. Make a list of potential hazards, then take steps to minimize them. That might mean installing non-slip mats, providing protective gear, or adjusting workstations.
4. Train your team
Safety training does not need to be boring or complicated. The goal is to make sure your staff knows how to do their jobs safely and understands what to do in an emergency.
Start with the basics: fire safety, first aid contacts, and equipment use. Update training regularly, especially if new risks or tools are introduced. Keep records so you can show that training has been provided.
5. Prepare for emergencies
Emergencies happen when you least expect them. Having a plan in place means you can respond quickly and calmly.
Your emergency plan should include:
- Fire evacuation routes
- First aid kit locations
- Names of trained first aiders
- Contact numbers for local emergency services
Pro tip: Do a practice drill every once in a while. It feels a little silly, but it makes a big difference if a real emergency happens.
6. Keep records
It may not be the most exciting part of running a business, but documentation is important. Keep track of:
- Workplace inspections
- Incident reports (even small ones)
- Training sessions
- Equipment maintenance
Good records not only help you stay compliant but also make it easier to spot patterns and prevent future issues.
7. Involve your employees
Health and safety is not just the owner’s job. Encourage your team to speak up when they see a risk or have a suggestion. Some provinces require joint health and safety committees once you reach a certain number of employees. Even in small teams, collaboration makes a big difference.
Final thoughts
At first glance, health and safety can feel overwhelming for small business owners. But when you break it down into clear steps, it is manageable and worthwhile. A safe workplace builds trust, helps you stay on the right side of regulations, and protects the people who make your business possible.
Start small: write a short policy, do a quick hazard walk-through, and chat with your team about safety. Over time, these small steps add up to a safer, stronger business.
Remember, you do not have to do it alone. At Huumans, we are here to help you find clarity, whether it is about payroll, finances, or building a supportive workplace. When your people thrive, your business does too.
