Which Government Agency Is Charged With Workplace Safety in Canada?

Workplace safety in Canada is governed by a uniquely structured system unlike those in the United States or the United Kingdom. If you are researching which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada, the answer is both straightforward and layered. At its core, the federal agency responsible is the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) Labour Program, while each province and territory has its own ministry or agency enforcing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws for the majority of workplaces.

Because Canada operates under a federal–provincial division of powers, workplace safety responsibilities are split. This article takes you deep into the structure, the agencies responsible, their roles, enforcement powers, how inspections are conducted, employer responsibilities, worker rights, and how Canada maintains one of the strongest worker protection systems in the world.

If you’re an employer, health and safety professional, policy researcher, or student, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to understand which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada and how the national OHS system works.

Understanding Canada’s Workplace Safety Framework

Canada’s occupational health and safety landscape is governed by a coordinated, multi-level structure. While many countries have a single controlling safety regulator, Canada uses a decentralized system:

• One federal safety enforcement agency

• Thirteen provincial/territorial enforcement bodies

• One national institution that provides research, education, and guidance

When exploring which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada, you must understand that 90% of Canadian workers fall under provincial jurisdiction—not federal. However, workplaces involved in federally regulated industries (like aviation, transport, banking, and telecommunications) are governed by the federal OHS agency.

This article breaks it all down.

Which Government Agency Is Charged With Workplace Safety in Canada?

The Federal OHS Enforcement Agency: ESDC Labour Program

The official answer to the question which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada at the federal level is:

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) – Labour Program

The ESDC Labour Program is responsible for:

• Enforcing the Canada Labour Code, Part II, which outlines federal occupational health and safety requirements

• Inspecting federally regulated workplaces

• Responding to workplace accidents and fatalities

• Investigating complaints of unsafe work

• Ensuring compliance with national safety laws

• Supporting workplace health and safety committees

Read Also: Online Occupational Health And Safety Courses In Canada

This agency regulates approximately 10% of Canada’s workforce, including:

• Banks

• Airports and airlines

• Railways and trucking companies operating across provinces

• Maritime transportation

• Telecommunications

• Postal services

• Federal government departments

• Crown corporations

These sectors require unified national safety oversight, hence the federal jurisdiction.

National Safety Guidance Agency: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

Although CCOHS is not an enforcement agency, it is a vital national body when discussing which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

CCOHS provides:

• Workplace safety research and statistics

• Safety training resources

• E-learning materials

• Hazard databases

• National safety guidelines

• Practical tools for employers and workers

While it does not conduct inspections or issue penalties, CCOHS plays a significant role in shaping national health and safety practices, bridging provincial and federal efforts.

Provincial and Territorial OHS Regulators (The Main Safety Enforcers)

Because most Canadian workplaces fall under provincial control, understanding which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada requires identifying each provincial and territorial OHS regulator.

Below is a clear list:

Provincial and Territorial OHS Agencies

These agencies enforce their respective OHS laws through:

• Workplace inspections

• Safety audits

• Worker complaints investigations

• Hazard control enforcement

• Safety training mandates

• Penalties, stop-work orders, and prosecution when necessary

The Legal Foundation of Workplace Safety in Canada

Canada’s workplace safety laws are built on strong legislative frameworks that define employer duties, worker rights, and enforcement powers.

Federal Legislation

The ESDC Labour Program enforces Canada Labour Code, Part II.

Its main objectives include:

• Preventing workplace accidents and illnesses

• Ensuring employers implement safety programs

• Giving workers the right to participate in safety decisions

• Allowing workers to refuse unsafe work

• Providing a legal structure for enforcement

Provincial Legislation

Each province/territory has its own laws, such as:

• Ontario: Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

• BC: Workers Compensation Act & OHS Regulation

• Alberta: Occupational Health and Safety Act

• Quebec: Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety

• Manitoba: Workplace Safety and Health Act

These laws outline:

• Hazard control requirements

• Employer responsibilities

• Worker rights and responsibilities

• Requirements for joint health and safety committees

• Penalties for non-compliance

Employer Responsibilities Under Canadian OHS Law

Whether governed by federal or provincial laws, employers in Canada share core duties:

1. Provide a Safe Workplace

This includes:

• Maintaining equipment

• Controlling hazards

• Providing safe work procedures

• Ensuring compliance with OHS laws

2. Provide Safety Training and Education

Employers must train employees in:

• Hazard identification

• PPE use

• Emergency response

• Machinery operation

• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

• Health and safety rights

3. Conduct Workplace Risk Assessments

Employers must:

• Identify hazards

• Assess risks

• Implement corrective actions

• Maintain safety documents

4. Report Workplace Accidents

Depending on severity, incidents must be reported to:

• Provincial OHS regulators

• Workers’ compensation boards

• ESDC (for federally regulated organization)

5. Support Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs)

These committees are legally required in many workplaces. Employers must:

• Allow worker participation

• Provide necessary training

• Implement recommendations

Read Also: Canada – Road Safety Resolutions for Small Business Owners in 2025

Worker Rights and Protections in Canada

Canada is known for having some of the strongest worker rights globally. Understanding which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada is essential because each agency protects these key rights.

1. Right to Know

Workers must be informed about:

• Hazards

• Safety procedures

• Emergency protocols

• Required PPE

• WHMIS-controlled products

2. Right to Participate

Workers can:

• Join health and safety committees

• Participate in inspections

• Suggest safety improvements

3. Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

If a job endangers them or others, workers can refuse work without penalty. Employers must investigate immediately.

How Workplace Inspections Work

Federal Inspections (ESDC Labour Program)

Inspectors can:

• Enter federally regulated workplaces without notice

• Review safety documents

• Interview employees

• Issue corrective instructions or stop dangerous work

• Take enforcement action

Provincial/Territorial Inspections

Provincial inspectors perform unannounced or scheduled inspections based on:

• Complaints

• Reported injuries

• High-risk industries

• Routine visits

They may issue:

• Compliance orders

• Penalty notices

• Stop-work orders

• Prosecution recommendations

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Consequences depend on the jurisdiction and severity:

• Fines ranging from thousands to millions of dollars

• Criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, Section 217.1 (Bill C-45)

• Loss of operating licenses

• Increased insurance premiums

• Civil liability

Bill C-45 introduced strong criminal penalties for employers who fail to protect workers.

How CCOHS Supports Safety Agencies Across Canada

CCOHS supports both federal and provincial regulators by offering:

• Public databases (CHEMINFO, OSH Answers)

• Industry safety guidelines

• Online training modules

• Canada-wide injury statistics

• Mental health resources

• Workplace wellness toolkits

Read Also: How to Get HSE Officer Job in Canada as an Immigrant

Its role is essential in harmonizing safety knowledge across Canada’s decentralized jurisdictions.

Comparison With Other Countries

Understanding which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada becomes clearer when compared globally.

Canada

• Decentralized (Federal + Provincial)

• Enforcement by multiple agencies

United States

• Centralized under OSHA (plus state plans)

United Kingdom

• Centralized under HSE (Health and Safety Executive)

Canada’s approach ensures local relevance while maintaining national standards.

Conclusion

Understanding which government agency is charged with workplace safety in Canada requires looking at both federal and provincial systems. The ESDC Labour Program is the official federal enforcement body, while provinces and territories have their own ministries or safety boards responsible for regulating most workplaces. Additionally, CCOHS supports the entire country through safety education, research, and national guidance.

This multi-layered structure ensures that Canadian workplaces remain among the safest in the world. Employers, workers, and safety professionals must understand the jurisdiction governing their workplace to ensure full compliance with OHS requirements.