Occupational Health

In Canada, every workplace is regulated by either the Federal or Provincial government, and is required by law to meet applicable occupational health legislation. The list below presents key relevant occupational health regulations, by jurisdiction, as well as some contact information.

Federally Regulated Businesses and Industries

Federally regulated businesses and industries must abide by the  Canada Labour Code and the  Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Contact your nearest  Labour Office regarding your occupational health rights and responsibilities under federal legislation.

• Examples of federally regulated businesses and industries include banks; marine shipping, ferry and port services; air transportation; telephone; radio and television broadcasting; inter-provincial services such as railways, road transportation, pipelines, and bridges; businesses dealing with the protection of fisheries as a natural resource; many First Nation activities; most federal Crown corporations; and private businesses essential to the operation of a federal act.

The Federal Government

If you work for the federal government, see the  Financial Administration Act to find out if Treasury Board of Canada (TB) is the employer for your organization.

• If TB is your organization's employer:
  • In addition to the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, the Treasury Board of Canada has also created supplementary policies and directives. You might also have access to services provided by the Public Service Occupational Health Program.
• If TB is not your organization's employer:
  • You do not have access to services provided by the Public Service Occupational Health Program.
  • Contact your occupational health and safety representative or your human resources advisor for more information on your organization's occupational health and safety rights and responsibilities and available services.

Provincially and Territorially Regulated Industries

Industries that are regulated provincially must abide by their respective provincial or territorial occupational health and safety legislation. Contact your  provincial or territorial authority for information on your occupational health and safety rights and responsibilities.

• Examples of provincially or territorially regulated workplaces include restaurant and retail workers, health professionals, teachers, construction and utility workers, and farmers.

Other Useful Links

• the Healthy Living section of the Health Canada website
• the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
• the Government of Canada's Healthy Canadians website