Understanding New Brunswick’s Health and Safety Requirements

As an employer, you play an important role in preventing workplace injuries and promoting a safe and healthy workplace. In fact, under the New Brunswick Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS), you have a legal obligation to properly inform, instruct and supervise your employees and to do everything you reasonably can to protect them.

Every employer needs the following to be compliant:

• Copy of the New Brunswick OHS act
• Copy of the New Brunswick OHS regulations
• A posted Emergency Communication plan
• Copy of the WHMIS/GHS regulations
• Orientation for the safety of new employees
• Copy of the New Brunswick First-aid Regulation
• A First-aid kit appropriate to the size and type of business you have
• Signs indicating the location of your first aid kits
• Post any notices and reports by a Health and Safety Officer for employees
• Communicable Disease Prevention Plan (strongly recommended)

In addition to the above list, you have further requirements based on number of employees you have.

I have 1 employee or employees that work alone:

• Have a written Working Alone Code of Practice Policy
• Copy of the Practice for Working Alone Regulations

I have more than 1, but fewer than 5 employees:

• Have a posted written Health and Safety Policy
• A trained First-aid provider on shift at all times
• Post the name and contact information of the trained first aid provider

I have 5 to 19 employees:

• Have a posted written Health and Safety Policy
• A trained First-aid provider on shift at all times
• Post the name and contact information for the trained first aid provider
• You must assign a Health and Safety representative and post their name and contact information for all employees

I have more than 20 employees:

• Have a posted written health and safety policy
• A trained First-aid provider on shift at all times
• Post the name and contact information of the trained first aid provider
• Assign a Health and Safety Committee and post the names and contact information of the members for all employees
• Create a Health and Safety Program with the Health and Safety Committee

There may be additional requirements based on your industry and type of work

CFIB is here to help you!

Contact our Business Advisors for further information, examples of a Health and Safety Policy, Emergency Communication Procedure, or more details on any Occupational Health and Safety issues at 1-833-568-2342 or email us at cfib@cfib.ca.