Your safety manual isn’t just a binder on a shelf; it’s the foundation of your health and safety program. Done right, it’s the document that keeps your company compliant, guides supervisors in decision-making, and reassures workers that safety is taken seriously. Done wrong, or neglected, it’s often the reason companies are caught off guard during audits, client prequalification processes, or even after an incident.
The truth is that safety manuals are living documents. They need to reflect current legislation, your actual work practices, and the risks unique to your industry. Too often, we see manuals that were written years ago, copied from generic templates, or patched together only when a client requests them. That approach can cost you contracts, fail audits, and erode worker trust.
Here's what your manual needs to include in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, and how to make sure it’s more than just paperwork.
Every province has its own occupational health and safety regulations. While the principles are similar, there are important differences in how employer responsibilities are defined, how committees function, and what documentation is required.
If you’re operating across Alberta, B.C., and Saskatchewan, you can’t rely on a single “catch-all” manual. A COR auditor in Alberta may be looking for different elements than a WorkSafeBC officer or a Saskatchewan regulator. That’s why manuals need to be province-specific, or at a minimum, clearly adapted to cover multiple jurisdictions.
A good manual should be:
Under the Alberta OH&S Code, your safety manual should clearly demonstrate:
COR and SECOR auditors also expect to see clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and communication processes, and document management practices. If those aren’t well-documented, you may pass the audit technically, but you won’t have a program that’s effective in practice.
In B.C., requirements go beyond the basics. As of January 2024, several key updates must be reflected in your manual, including:
WorkSafeBC also places heavy emphasis on:
If your manual doesn’t address these, you could face compliance issues or worse, liability if an incident occurs.
Tip: Always cross-reference your manual with WorkSafeBC’s written program requirements, as they are regularly updated.
Saskatchewan’s OH&S regulations place a strong focus on hazard identification and worker involvement. Auditors want to see that your program doesn’t exist on paper but is actively managed.
Your manual should include:
For higher-risk sectors like construction or oilfield services, you’ll also need to document:
Here, clarity and structure matter. A manual that shows active, practical management of risk carries far more weight than one filled with generic policy statements.
Regardless of province, the most effective safety manuals have one thing in common: they’re integrated into daily operations. A manual that sits untouched in a binder won’t prevent incidents, inspire confidence, or satisfy auditors.
Strong manuals also include:
Above all, a strong manual is a living document. It gets referenced during toolbox talks, informs new worker orientations, and helps supervisors lead by example.
At Hutton Safety Group, we build province-specific, audit-ready safety manuals that actually reflect how your team works. Whether you need a full build, an update to meet new requirements, or just a refresh before an audit, we can help.
A manual shouldn’t just pass an audit; it should make your job easier, keep your team safe, and support your growth.