J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors

Law. Safety Act, ss. 4 to 6.1 (Safety Act [NT], 1988, ss. 4-6.1); Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 1, 4(8), 12 to 16 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NT], 2024).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Maintain the establishment so health and safety are not likely to be endangered, and “take all reasonable precautions and adopt and carry out all reasonable techniques and procedures to ensure the health and safety of every person in his or her establishment”; provide first aid (Safety Act [NT], 1988, s. 4(1)). Keep the Act and regulations available and make sure workers understand them (s. 6). Ensure work is “sufficiently and competently supervised” and that supervisors know the program, hazardous substances, PPE and emergency procedures (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NT], 2024, s. 16(1)(a)-(b)).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder in the regulations. A supervisor is “an individual who is authorized by an employer to oversee or direct workers” (s. 1). “A supervisor shall ensure that workers comply with the Act and these regulations as they apply to the work site” (s. 16(2)), and the employer must ensure every supervisor “has completed an approved regulatory familiarization program” (s. 16(1)(c)).
• Worker. Take all reasonable precautions for their own and others’ safety, and use the protective devices, clothing and equipment provided or required (Safety Act [NT], 1988, s. 5).
• Others. Where two or more employers have charge of an establishment, the principal contractor, or otherwise the owner, co-ordinates them (s. 4(2)); suppliers ensure what they supply is safe and compliant, give directions for safe use, label agents and maintain leased equipment (s. 6.1).

Fire-service nuance.

• The WSCC firefighter code of practice treats incident commanders as supervisors and expects every supervisor to take the WSCC’s supervisor familiarization course (WSCC, 2017).
• “Worker” includes a person working “with or without remuneration” (Safety Act [NT], 1988, s. 1), so volunteers are covered; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.

Status. Verified against the Justice consolidations (Act to 2023-10-06; regulations to 2024-09-26), read through the laws.opennwt.ca mirror, on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Workers Compensation Act, Part 2, Division 4, ss. 21 to 30 (Workers Compensation Act [BC], 2019, ss. 21-30); Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, ss. 1.1, 2.2 and 2.8 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation [BC], 2026, ss. 1.1, 2.2, 2.8).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Ensure the health and safety of its workers and of other workers present where its work is done, and comply with the Act, regulations and orders (Workers Compensation Act [BC], 2019, s. 21(1)). Specific duties: remedy hazardous conditions; make workers aware of known or reasonably foreseeable hazards and of their rights and duties; establish policies and programs required by regulation; provide and maintain protective equipment and ensure it is used; provide “the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary”; make the Act and regulations available; consult and co-operate with the committee or representative; co-operate with the Board (s. 21(2)). Separately, “all work must be carried out without undue risk of injury or occupational disease to any person”, even where no specific requirement applies (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation [BC], 2026, s. 2.2).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder. A supervisor is “a person who instructs, directs and controls workers in the performance of their duties” (s. 1.1). Every supervisor must ensure the health and safety of workers under their direct supervision, be knowledgeable about the OHS provisions and regulations that apply to the work, and comply; make those workers aware of known or reasonably foreseeable hazards and ensure they comply; and consult and co-operate with the committee (Workers Compensation Act [BC], 2019, s. 23). A contravention by a supervisor or a worker is deemed a contravention by the supervisor, and every contravention is deemed the employer’s (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation [BC], 2026, s. 2.8).
• Worker. Take reasonable care of themselves and others; comply; follow established safe work procedures; use the protective equipment required; no horseplay; not work impaired by alcohol, drugs or other causes; report contraventions, missing or defective protective equipment and other hazards to the supervisor or employer; co-operate with the committee and the Board (Workers Compensation Act [BC], 2019, s. 22).
• Others. The prime contractor of a multiple-employer workplace co-ordinates OHS activities and keeps a compliance system (s. 24); the owner maintains land and premises used as a workplace and gives the employer the hazard information it knows (s. 25); the supplier ensures what it supplies is safe and compliant, gives directions for safe use, labels agents and maintains leased equipment (s. 26); directors and officers of a corporation must ensure it complies (s. 27). A person with two or more roles meets the obligations of each (s. 29).

Fire-service nuance.

• Captains, lieutenants, acting officers and incident commanders instruct, direct and control firefighters, so they are supervisors under s. 23 whether the department is career, composite or volunteer.
• Where crews work at premises they do not control, such as a pre-planned industrial site, the owner’s duty to share known hazard information (s. 25(b)) supports pre-incident planning requests (interpretation).
• The employer duties come from the Act, not Part 31. From 2026-10-01 Part 31 also reaches fire brigades run by a board, society or commission on behalf of a local government, and fire personnel; municipal brigades, volunteer members included, were already covered; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters and J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act current to 2026-10-13; regulation to 2026-10-20). Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 1 “General Obligations”, ss. 3 to 12 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [AB], 2020, ss. 3-12).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Ensure, as far as it is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its workers, of other workers at the work site, and of other persons nearby who may be materially affected by identifiable and controllable hazards from the site; that workers know their rights and duties; that workers are not subjected to or taking part in harassment or violence; that workers are supervised by a person who is competent and familiar with the Act, regulations and Code; that the committee or representative meets its requirements; and that concerns are resolved in a timely manner (s. 3(1)). Workers must be adequately trained (s. 3(2)); work that may endanger a worker is done by a competent worker or under the direct supervision of one (s. 3(3)); hazard, control and procedure information is kept available for the committee, workers and any prime contractor (s. 3(4)); copies of the Act, Regulation and Code are readily available (s. 3(5)).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder. As far as reasonably practicable, take all precautions necessary to protect the workers they supervise, ensure those workers work in accordance with the law, and ensure none is subjected to or takes part in harassment or violence; advise workers of known or reasonably foreseeable hazards in their work area; report unsafe acts and conditions to the employer; and co-operate with the regulator (s. 4). A supervisor is a person who has charge of a work site or authority over a worker (s. 1(nn)).
• Worker. Take reasonable care; co-operate; use the devices and PPE designated, provided or required; no harassment or violence; report unsafe acts and conditions; take part in training provided; co-operate with the regulator (s. 5(1)); a worker who is not competent does not do dangerous work except under direct supervision (s. 5(2)).
• Others. Suppliers, as far as reasonably practicable, ensure equipment and PPE they supply are in safe condition, maintain equipment they are responsible for and notify customers of defects (s. 6); service providers (s. 7); contracting employers (s. 8); owners (s. 9); prime contractors (s. 10); temporary staffing agencies (s. 11). A person with more than one role meets each set of obligations (s. 12).

Fire-service nuance.

• Alberta has no firefighting part in the Code, so the s. 3 duties and the competent-supervisor duty in s. 3(1)(d) are what an officer will test after a fireground injury; see J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations.
• Volunteers are workers (“for no monetary compensation”, s. 1(tt)), so volunteer officers are supervisors under s. 4; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.

Status. Verified against the official consolidation (to 2025-06-11) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. The Saskatchewan Employment Act, Part III, Division 3, ss. 3-8 to 3-15 (The Saskatchewan Employment Act [SK], 2013, ss. 3-8 to 3-15); The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, ss. 3-1 to 3-8 (The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 [SK], 2021, ss. 3-1 to 3-8).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Ensure, insofar as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all its workers; consult and co-operate in a timely manner with the committee or representative and make a reasonable attempt to resolve their concerns in a timely manner; ensure, insofar as reasonably practicable, that workers are not exposed to harassment or violence; ensure workers are trained in all necessary matters and that “all work at the place of employment is sufficiently and competently supervised”; and comply (The Saskatchewan Employment Act [SK], 2013, s. 3-8). Workers must be told the provisions that apply to their work, and be trained when they start or move to work with different hazards (The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 [SK], 2021, ss. 3-7, 3-8).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder. Ensure, insofar as reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of workers under their direct supervision and direction; ensure those workers comply; ensure, insofar as reasonably practicable, they are not exposed to harassment or violence; co-operate; and comply (The Saskatchewan Employment Act [SK], 2013, s. 3-9). “Supervisor” is defined in s. 3-1(1)(dd).
• Worker. Take reasonable care, refrain from harassment and violence, co-operate and comply (s. 3-10); use the protective equipment and safe work procedures required (The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 [SK], 2021, s. 3-2).
• Others. Self-employed persons (The Saskatchewan Employment Act [SK], 2013, s. 3-11), contractors (s. 3-12), prime contractors at certain multi-employer worksites (s. 3-13), owners (s. 3-14) and suppliers (s. 3-15).

Fire-service nuance.

• Part 32 applies to firefighters engaged “on a full-time or part-time basis”, and unpaid volunteers are “workers” only for the harassment and violence duties (s. 3-1(6)); a department relying on unpaid volunteers should not assume the general duties protect them, and should apply them by policy; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.
• An accused must prove it was not reasonably practicable to do more (s. 3-80), so the department’s records of what it considered and why carry real weight; see J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement.

Status. Verified against the King’s Printer consolidations (Act to 2025-12-31; regulations to 2021-04-01) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. The Workplace Safety and Health Act, ss. 4 to 7.3 (The Workplace Safety and Health Act [MB], 2026, ss. 4-7.3).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all its workers, and comply (s. 4(1)). Specific duties: a safe workplace, equipment, systems and tools; information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities; acquaint workers, “and particularly their supervisors, forepersons, chargehands or similar persons”, with hazards; protect people outside its service; have any required risk assessment made by a competent person; consult and co-operate with the committee or representative; and ensure workers are supervised by a person who is competent and familiar with the Act and regulations (s. 4(2)). Training is required before new work, different work or a move to a different area (s. 4(4)), and training time is paid at the same wages and benefits as regular duties (s. 4(6)).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder. So far as reasonably practicable, take all precautions necessary to protect the workers they supervise, ensure those workers follow the required procedures and use the devices, clothing and PPE designated or required; advise them of known or reasonably foreseeable risks; and co-operate (s. 4.1). No employer, agent or supervisor may require work in a known dangerous condition (s. 43.3(1)), and a person convicted of that may not work in a supervisory capacity at any workplace for six months after the conviction (s. 55(4)).
• Worker. Take reasonable care, use the safety equipment and PPE required, co-operate with the committee and others, and comply (s. 5); not work while impaired (Workplace Safety and Health Regulation [MB], 2026, s. 2.19).
• Others. Prime contractors (The Workplace Safety and Health Act [MB], 2026, s. 7), contractors (s. 7.1), owners (s. 7.2) and suppliers (s. 7.3).

Fire-service nuance.

• Volunteers are workers by interpretation of “worker” (a person employed “whether for gain or reward, or hope of gain or reward or not”, s. 1), so the s. 4(6) paid-training rule is relevant to paid-on-call members; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.
• The supervising ban in s. 55(4) is the sharpest personal consequence for a company officer anywhere in Canada.

Status. Verified against the official consolidation (to 2026-10-20) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part III, ss. 25 to 32 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [ON], 1990, ss. 25-32); Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training, O. Reg. 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training [ON], 2026, s. 2).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Strict duties: prescribed equipment, materials and protective devices provided, maintained and used as prescribed; PPE properly fitted and appropriate; prescribed measures and procedures carried out; structures able to carry their loads (Occupational Health and Safety Act [ON], 1990, s. 25(1)). General duties: information, instruction and supervision; appoint a competent person when appointing a supervisor; acquaint workers and supervisors with hazards; assist the committee; “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker”; post the Act and the OHS policy; share OHS reports with the committee (s. 25(2)). Additional duties as prescribed (s. 26).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder. A supervisor is “a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker” (s. 1(1)). A supervisor must ensure that workers work in the manner and with the protective devices, measures and procedures the law requires and wear the equipment the employer requires (s. 27(1)); advise workers of any potential or actual danger the supervisor knows of; give written instructions where prescribed; and “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker” (s. 27(2)). Supervisors complete basic awareness training within one week of performing work as a supervisor (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training [ON], 2026, s. 2(1)).
• Worker. Comply; use the equipment and clothing the employer requires; report missing or defective equipment, contraventions and hazards to the employer or supervisor; do not remove protective devices, work in a way that may endanger anyone, or engage in pranks or horseplay (Occupational Health and Safety Act [ON], 1990, s. 28).
• Others. Constructors (s. 23); owners of workplaces that are not projects (s. 29); project owners on designated substances (s. 30); suppliers of rented or leased machines and equipment (s. 31(1)); architects and engineers whose negligent advice endangers a worker (s. 31(2)); directors and officers of a corporation, who “shall take all reasonable care” that it complies (s. 32).
• Liability through people. The act or neglect of a manager, agent, representative, officer, director or supervisor of the accused is the act of the accused (s. 66(4)).

Fire-service nuance.

• Captains, lieutenants and acting officers have authority over workers, so they are s. 27 supervisors with personal duties and need the one-week awareness training and competence under s. 25(2)(c); build this into officer development and acting-rank rules.
• The Section 21 guidance notes rest on s. 25(2)(a), (d) and (h), which is how inspectors apply them to fire departments; see J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations.
• A “worker” is paid “for monetary compensation” (s. 1(1)); volunteers paid an honorarium or per call are likely workers (interpretation); see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.
• How s. 32 applies to municipal councillors and senior officials is a question for the municipality’s solicitor.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act from 2025-11-27 to the e-Laws currency date; O. Reg. 297/13 current). Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Act respecting occupational health and safety, ss. 1, 11, 49 to 51.2, 63 and 239 to 241 (Act respecting occupational health and safety [QC], 2026).

What must be covered.

• Employer. “Every employer must take the necessary measures to protect the health and ensure the safety and physical and mental well-being of his worker” (s. 51). Specific duties include equipping and laying out establishments for protection; designating personnel responsible for health and safety and posting their names; ensuring that work organization and “working procedures and techniques” do not harm workers; using methods to identify, control and eliminate risks; supplying safety equipment and keeping it in good condition; giving adequate information, training, assistance or supervision; supplying individual protective equipment free of charge and requiring its use; co-operating with the committee; and protecting workers from physical or psychological violence (s. 51(1)-(16)). The employer must keep impaired workers from working (s. 51.2).
• Supervisor: not a separate duty-holder. A person employed as a manager, superintendent, foreman or agent of the employer in its relations with workers is excluded from “worker” (s. 1) and keeps only the rights in ss. 9, 10 and 32 to 48 (s. 11). There is no supervisor duty section; supervisors act for the employer, and the employer is liable for its agents’ offences unless it shows the offence was committed without its knowledge or consent and despite measures to prevent it (s. 239). Directors, officers, employees and agents who prescribed, authorized or consented to a legal person’s offence are deemed to have participated (s. 241).
• Worker. Become familiar with the prevention program or action plan; take the necessary measures for their own health, safety and physical or mental well-being; not endanger others; undergo required medical examinations; take part in identifying and eliminating risks; co-operate with the committee (s. 49); not work impaired (s. 49.1). A worker who acted on the employer’s formal instructions despite objecting is released from responsibility (s. 240).
• Others. A person who retains a worker’s services without being the employer carries the employer’s obligations (s. 51.1). No one may manufacture, supply, sell, lease, distribute or install any product, equipment, material or dangerous substance unless it is safe and meets the regulations (s. 63).

Fire-service nuance.

• Whether a fire captain is a “foreman” excluded from “worker”, or a worker who supervises, depends on the role; a captain who is a working member of the crew is usually treated as a worker (an interpretation; confirm with counsel). Either way the employer answers for the captain’s acts, and the Criminal Code duty applies to the captain personally; see J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement.
• “Worker” includes a person working “even without remuneration” under a contract of employment, so part-time firefighters are workers (s. 1); the position of unpaid volunteers was not settled; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.

Status. Verified against the LégisQuébec consolidation (to 2026-08-12) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 9 to 13 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NB], 1983, ss. 9-13).

What must be covered.

• Employer. “Take every reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety of its employees”, comply, and ensure employees comply (s. 9(1)). Specific duties: systems of work, tools and equipment in good condition; inspect the place of employment at least once a month; acquaint employees with hazards; provide the necessary information, instruction and training; ensure work is competently and sufficiently supervised and that supervisors know the Act, regulations, safety policy, program, procedures and protective equipment for the work they supervise; provide and maintain required protective equipment and ensure its use; co-operate with the committee (s. 9(2)).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder since 2019. Take every reasonable precaution for the employees under their supervision and direction; comply and ensure those employees comply; co-operate with the committee, the representative and the regulator; acquaint employees with hazards; and provide the necessary information and instruction (s. 9.1). The administrative penalty scheme has a supervisor tier; see J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement.
• Employee. Comply; conduct themselves to protect their own and others’ health and safety; report hazards to the employer or supervisor; wear or use required protective equipment; consult and co-operate with the committee; co-operate with the regulator (s. 12).
• Others. Contractors and subcontractors comply and, on project sites they are responsible for, take every reasonable precaution for anyone with access (s. 10); a contracting employer that directs other employers ensures, as far as reasonably practicable, that they comply (s. 10.1); owners take every reasonable precaution for anyone with access to or using the place (s. 11); suppliers take every reasonable precaution that what they supply is reasonably safe and compliant, give directions for safe use and label agents (s. 13).

Fire-service nuance.

• Since 2019 company officers are supervisors with personal duties; officer training should cover s. 9.1 and the monthly inspection duty in s. 9(2)(a.1); see J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections.
• “Employee” includes “a person at or in a place of employment for any purpose in connection therewith” (s. 1), so volunteers appear to be covered (interpretation); see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.

Status. Verified against the official consolidation (to 2024-06-07) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 2, 3, 13 to 23, 76 and 77 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NS], 1996); Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 1.4 and 31.5 (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [NS], 2025, ss. 1.4, 31.5).

What must be covered.

• Internal responsibility system. “The foundation of this Act is the Internal Responsibility System”: employers, contractors, constructors, employees, self-employed persons, owners, suppliers, OHS service providers, architects and engineers share responsibility, and the primary responsibility rests with each “to the extent of each party’s authority and ability”; the Division’s role is to clarify responsibilities, support the parties and intervene when they fail (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NS], 1996, s. 2).
• Employer. Take every precaution that is reasonable in the circumstances to ensure the health and safety of persons at or near the workplace; provide equipment properly equipped with safety devices; provide “such information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities as are necessary”; ensure employees, “and particularly the supervisors and foremen”, are made familiar with the hazards they may meet; ensure employees know how to use protective devices, equipment and clothing; and conduct the undertaking so employees are not exposed to hazards (s. 13(1)). Also consult and co-operate with the committee or representative, co-operate with the regulator, comply and ensure employees comply, establish any required policy or program (s. 13(2)), and establish and implement a harassment prevention policy (s. 13(4)).
• Supervisor: not a separate duty-holder. The Act defines “employer” as “a person who employs one or more employees or contracts for the services of one or more employees”, including a constructor, contractor or subcontractor (s. 3(p)); it does not include supervisors, and there is no supervisor duty section. A supervisor is an “employee” (s. 3(o)) with the employee duties in s. 17. Three provisions reach supervisors directly: in a prosecution of the employer, the act or omission of “a manager, a superintendent or another person who exercises management functions” is deemed the employer’s unless the employer proves it took every reasonable precaution and neither knew of nor consented to it (s. 76); an officer, director, manager or agent of a corporation who directs, authorizes, assents to, acquiesces in or participates in an offence is guilty of it (s. 77); and administrative penalties have a separate tier for “employee who has supervision responsibilities” (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [NS], 2025, s. 31.5). No employer or supervisor may require or permit entry into an area an officer has ordered cleared (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NS], 1996, s. 55(5)).
• Employee. While at work, take every reasonable precaution for their own and others’ health and safety; co-operate with the employer and fellow employees; take every reasonable precaution that required protective devices, equipment and clothing are used or worn; consult and co-operate with the committee or representative; co-operate with the regulator; comply (s. 17(1)). An employee who believes something is or may be dangerous must report it immediately to a supervisor, then to the committee or representative if not remedied, then to the Division (s. 17(2)).
• Others. Contractors (s. 14) and constructors (s. 15) take every reasonable precaution for persons at the workplace or project and co-ordinate employers and communication; suppliers ensure what they supply is safe and compliant, maintain leased equipment and label agents (s. 16); self-employed persons (s. 18); owners provide and maintain land and premises safely and give the employer known hazard information (s. 19); for-profit OHS service providers (s. 20); architects and engineers (s. 21). Where a duty falls on more than one person it rests primarily on the one with the greatest degree of control, but the others must comply where that person fails (s. 23); a duty on an employer in the regulations also falls on others to the extent of their authority and ability (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [NS], 2025, s. 1.4).

Fire-service nuance.

• The Act’s definition of “employer” does not include a supervisor (s. 3(p)). A captain or lieutenant is personally exposed as an employee (s. 17), through the supervisory penalty tier, through s. 77 where the municipality is the corporation and the officer acquiesces in a contravention (interpretation), and through the Criminal Code; see J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement.
• “Every precaution reasonable” is the clause the Division applies to fireground work that no regulation covers; see J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations.
• The owner duty in s. 19 matters where the municipality owns a station with other tenants, and the supplier duty in s. 16 reaches SCBA, PPE and apparatus vendors and leasing arrangements.
• Whether volunteers are “employees” (“a person who is employed to do work”, s. 3(o)) is not settled; this system treats them as employees; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.

Status. Verified on 2026-10-23 against the consolidated Act (to 2025-09-01) and Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (to NS Reg 163/2025), read in a reproduction of the official consolidation because the Legislature’s site could not be reached. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 1, 12 to 20 and 43 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [PE], 1988).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Ensure that every reasonable precaution is taken to protect persons at or near the workplace; that equipment is maintained and properly equipped with safety features; that “such information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities are provided as are necessary”; that “workers and supervisors are familiar with occupational health or safety hazards”; that workers can use the safety features and equipment provided; and that the undertaking does not expose workers to hazards (s. 12(1)). Also consult and co-operate with the committee or representative, co-operate with the regulator, comply and ensure workers comply, establish any required policy or program (s. 12(2)), and establish a harassment policy (s. 12(3)).
• Supervisor: not a separate duty-holder. “Employer” means a person who employs or contracts for the services of workers, including a constructor or contractor (s. 1(h)); supervisors appear only within the employer’s and workers’ duties (for example s. 12(1)(d) and the reporting chain in s. 16(2)).
• Worker. Take every reasonable precaution for their own and others’ health and safety; co-operate; wear or use required PPE; consult and co-operate with the committee or representative; co-operate with the regulator; comply with the Act and with any policy or program established under it (s. 16(1)); report a dangerous condition to a supervisor, then to the committee or representative, and may then report it to an officer (s. 16(2)).
• Others. Constructors (s. 13), contractors (s. 14), suppliers (s. 15), self-employed persons (s. 17), owners, who maintain premises safely and give the employer known hazard information (s. 18), OHS service providers (s. 19), and architects and engineers (s. 20). Corporate officers and directors who direct, authorize, assent to, acquiesce in or participate in an offence are liable (s. 43(3)).

Fire-service nuance.

• With no supervisor section and no fire-specific regulation, PEI officers’ duties flow from the employer’s duty to supervise and from the Criminal Code; write them into officer job descriptions anyway.
• A “worker” includes “a person in a workplace for any purpose in connection therewith” (s. 1(x)), which likely includes volunteers (interpretation); see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.

Status. Verified against the official consolidation (to 2023-08-01) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 4 to 11 (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NL], 1990, ss. 4-11); Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, ss. 14, 17 and 19 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, ss. 14, 17, 19).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Ensure, where reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its workers (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NL], 1990, s. 4). Specific duties: a safe workplace, equipment, systems and tools; the necessary information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities; make workers and supervisors familiar with hazards; protect other persons; give operating instruction in protective equipment; consult and co-operate with the committee, representative or designate on all OHS matters; respond in writing within 30 days to their recommendations; and consult them on scheduling required workplace inspections and ensure they take part (s. 5). The employer also ensures safe work procedures are followed (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, s. 14(3)).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder since 2009, restated in 2024. A supervisor is a person “authorized or designated by an employer to exercise direction and control over workers” (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NL], 1990, s. 2(k.1)). A supervisor must ensure, where reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all workers under their direction and control (s. 5.1); advise those workers of the hazards they may meet; give proper written or oral instructions on precautions; and ensure they use or wear the protective equipment required (s. 5.2).
• Worker. Take reasonable care for their own and others’ health and safety (s. 6); co-operate; use protective devices according to instructions and training; consult and co-operate with the committee, representative or designate (s. 7); follow the safe work procedure they were instructed in and report hazardous conditions immediately (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, s. 17). A worker “shall not” carry out work where an imminent danger exists (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NL], 1990, s. 8).
• Others. Self-employed persons (s. 9); principal contractors (s. 10); suppliers, who ensure tools and equipment are in safe operating condition and meet the prescribed standards (s. 11); owners, who inform everyone at the workplace of the hazards of their operations or site and the measures in place (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, s. 19(1)). Officers and directors who acquiesce in an offence are liable (Occupational Health and Safety Act [NL], 1990, s. 68).

Fire-service nuance.

• The s. 8 “shall not” rule has no emergency-services exception, so incident commanders need a written way to decide when an operation is too dangerous to continue; see J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection.
• Volunteers are not addressed in the OHS Act (“worker” is “a person engaged in an occupation”, s. 2(m)); ask the Division; see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.

Status. Verified against the official consolidations (Act through SNL 2023, c 15; regulations to NLR 48/26) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.

Law. Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act, Part 3, ss. 25 to 35 (Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act [YT], 2021, ss. 25-35).

What must be covered.

• Employer. Duties “as far as is reasonably practicable” to protect workers, including efforts to check on workers who may not be able to get assistance, and to keep training records (s. 27).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder. A supervisor is “a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker” (s. 25), with duties of their own (s. 28). Supervisors must report all serious injuries immediately to an officer (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [YT], 2022, s. 18.03(3)(c)).
• Worker. Duties of their own, and “worker” includes “a volunteer” (Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act [YT], 2021, ss. 25, 29).
• Others. Self-employed persons (s. 30), prime contractors (s. 31), owners (s. 32), suppliers (s. 33), and directors and officers (s. 34).

Fire-service nuance.

• Part 11 applies to volunteer firefighting in municipal service, so volunteer officers are supervisors with s. 28 duties (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [YT], 2022, s. 11.02); see J11 Volunteer Firefighters.
• Administrative penalties have a supervisor tier ($750, $1,500, $3,000 base); see J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement.

Status. Partly verified: the duty sections were read in the Legislative Counsel consolidation captured 2024-12-25 (later amendments not checked). The detailed wording of ss. 27 to 34 is summarized from that reading.

Law. Safety Act, ss. 4 to 6.1 (Safety Act [NU], 1988, ss. 4-6.1); Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 1, 4(8) and 16 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NU], 2021).

What must be covered.

• Employer, worker and supplier. The same duties as in the Northwest Territories: maintain the establishment safely and take all reasonable precautions (Safety Act [NU], 1988, s. 4); worker duties (s. 5); supplier duties (s. 6.1).
• Supervisor: a separate duty-holder in the regulations, with the same supervisor familiarization requirement (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NU], 2021, s. 16).

Fire-service nuance.

• The WSCC firefighter code of practice applies in Nunavut from 2017-12-21 (WSCC, 2017).

Status. Partly verified: the regulations (official consolidation to 2021-09-28) were read; the Safety Act consolidation read is current only to 2016-06-19.

Law. Canada Labour Code, Part II, ss. 122, 124 to 126 and 149 (Canada Labour Code [CA], 1985).

What must be covered.

• Employer. “Every employer shall ensure that the health and safety at work of every person employed by the employer is protected” (s. 124), with the specific duties in s. 125(1)(a) to (z.19), including training and supervision, the hazard prevention program and harassment and violence measures.
• Supervisor: not a separate duty-holder. “Employer” includes any person who acts on behalf of an employer (s. 122(1)), so supervisors carry the employer’s duties as its agents. The employer must ensure that employees with supervisory or managerial responsibilities “are adequately trained in health and safety and are informed of the responsibilities they have under this Part” (s. 125(1)(z)). Internal complaints go first to the supervisor (s. 127.1(1)).
• Employee. Use the safety equipment and clothing provided or prescribed; follow prescribed procedures; take all reasonable and necessary precautions for themselves and others; comply with the employer’s health and safety instructions; co-operate with the committees and anyone carrying out a duty under Part II; report hazards and injuries (s. 126(1)).
• Senior officials. Senior officials of a department are parties to its offences (s. 149(2)).

Fire-service nuance.

• At an airport, the airport operator’s emergency plan names the on-scene controller (Canadian Aviation Regulations [CA], 2026, ss. 302.201, 302.204); airport fire officers direct work and carry the Criminal Code duty; see J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations and J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement.

Status. Verified against the Justice Laws consolidation (current to 2026-09-30) on 2026-10-23. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24.