Posting Requirements in the Workplace: A Checklist for Employers

It is important for all employers to fulfil their legislated posting obligations at all times. Failure to do so may invite enforcement action, such as penalties and fines.

While posting requirements differ slightly across provinces, workplace signage in all jurisdictions is similar.

It generally relates to either employment standards legislation, health and safety legislation, or workers’ compensation laws.

This blog details the posting requirements in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Employers can use it as a checklist to ensure they are compliant with provincial laws.

Please note that this list is intended to provide general guidance; some workplaces may require additional posting requirements such as employment standards or health and safety-related compliance orders and subsequent remedial reports, inspection reports, etc.

The signage as discussed below should be posted in a prominent and visible place in the workplace. This will ensure the information is easily accessible to employees.

Ontario

Employers covered by provincial employment legislation must provide each employee with a copy of the most recent employment standards poster within 30 days of their start date. They must also post:

• A current copy of the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s “Health and Safety at Work: Prevention Starts Here” poster
• A complete current copy of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
• For employers with 5 or more employees, a current/signed copy of the Health and Safety Policy Statement long with the company’s Health and Safety Policy Manual
• For employers with 5 or more employees, Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies
• Names and work locations of the JHSC.
• Any order
• The “in case of injury” poster (Form 82) if the employer is covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

Alberta

The posting requirements for Alberta employers are quite similar to those in Ontario. In Alberta, employers must post:

• A current copy of the Alberta WCB “Hurt at Work” Poster
• Any orders from the Alberta OHS made under the Act to the employer that is relevant to the work site
• Readily available and/or posted a current paper or downloaded or stored electronic copies of the Act, the Regulations and the Alberta OHS Code.
• A current/signed copy of their Health & Safety Policy Statement with a current version of the Health and Safety Manual
• Signs indicating the location of first aid services, equipment, and supplies.
• Names and contact information of the JHSC/HSR

British Columbia

Employers must provide a copy of the Working in B.C. poster to all employees. BC workplaces must post:

• A notice telling workers where a copy of the Act and the regulations are available for review.
• The names and work locations of the JHSC, the reports of the three most recent committee meetings and applicable orders for the preceding 12 months.
• A current copy of WorkSafeBC’s “Notice to Workers” poster and a
• WorkSafeBC inspection reports issued be posted for 7 days.
• A current/signed copy of the Workplace Violence, Bullying and Harassment Prevention Policies, including the reporting procedure.

Manitoba

Employers covered by The Workplace Safety and Health Act must post: 

• Post the names and contact information of First Aiders
• Any orders from Workplace Safety and Health Act made under the Act to the employer that is relevant to the workplace.
• Have readily available and/or posted a current/signed copy of your Health & Safety Policy Statement with a current version of your Health and Safety Manual.
• Names of the WSHC/HSR and date of member’s term of office expires; agenda for each meeting and copies of the meeting minutes.
• Any order
• Names and work locations of each first aider
• Harassment Prevention policy, Violence Prevention Policy

Saskatchewan

Employers covered by The Saskatchewan Employment Act and The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 must post:

• Current Fire Safety Plan
• A current and signed copy of your company’s Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy and Program Plan
• Copies of any orders or notice of contraventions of the Employment Act and OHS Regulations. 
• Readily available and/or posted a current paper or downloaded or stored electronic copies of the Saskatchewan Employment Act and the OHS Regulations.
• Signs indicating smoking is prohibited in every enclosed place of employment.
• Occupationally related injury and illness statistics for the place of employment
• Names of the OHC or HSR.
• Copy of the committee meeting minutes until all concerns recorded in the minutes are resolved.

New Brunswick

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Employers covered by New Brunswick’s Occupational Health and Safety Act must post:

• Post a copy of the New Brunswick Occupational Health and Safety Act and any Regulations that may apply to your workplace
• All notices and reports required by the Act
• Names of the JHSC members, minutes of the most recent committee meeting or the HSR
• Emergency communication procedure
• Names of first aiders and location of first Aid kits.
• Any notice which an officer considers important for employees to understand their rights, liabilities, and duties.

Nova Scotia

Employers covered by Nova Scotia’s Occupational Health and Safety Act must post:

• Post or have electronically available a copy of the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act and any Regulations that may apply to your workplace
• The telephone number for reporting occupational health or safety concerns to the OHS Division
• Current names and means of contacting committee members or the HSR.
• The minutes of the most recent committee meeting
• Any notices and reports required by the Act.
• Any code of practice required by the Act or the Regulations
• A current and signed copy of your Health and Safety Policy Statement with a current version of this Health and Safety Manual
• A current and signed copy of your Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy and Prevention Plans,
• The location of the first aid supplies and the First Aiders names, location, and contact information posted throughout the worksite.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Employers covered by Newfoundland and Labrador’s Occupational Health and Safety Act must post:

• Post a copy of the OHS Act and Regulations
• A current and signed copy of your Health and Safety Policy Statement
• Any orders made under the Act and Regulations to the employer that is relevant to the workplace
• Readily available and/or posted a current/signed the Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy and Prevention Plans
• The names and contact information of the HSR, OHSC or Health and Safety Designate. 
• Minutes of the OHSC meetings.
• Names and qualifications of the First Aiders. 
• Emergency procedure and contact list for emergency personnel.

Do you need help staying compliant with provincial laws?

Peninsula’s experts can help you develop company policies as well as with any other human resource management, health and safety or employment advice you may need. See how we have helped other small and medium businesses get their business compliant with provincial legislation.

To learn more about how our services can benefit your business, call us today at 1 (833) 247-3652