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 procedure.
• 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.

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 less than 5 employees:

• Have a posted written Health and Safety Policy.
• A trained First-aid provider on shift at all times.

I have 15 to 19 employees:

• Have a posted written Health and Safety Policy.
• A trained First-aid provider on shift at all times.
• You must assign a Health and Safety representative.

I have more than 20 employees:

• Have a posted written health and safety policy.
• A trained First-aid provider on shift at all times.
• Assign a Health and Safety Committee.
• Create a Health and Safety Program with the Health and Safety Committee.

CFIB is here to help you!

In addition to health and safety requirements, there are several other compliance measures your business should be considering. You can always contact CFIB for further information, examples of a Health and Safety Policy, Emergency Communication Procedure, or more details on any Occupational Health and Safety issues at 1.888.234.2232 or email us at msnb@cfib.ca.