As we approach the end of another busy year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and ensure your organization’s safety program is up to date. Annual safety activities help maintain compliance, reduce risk, and set the tone for a proactive and productive year ahead. 

This year-end review highlights two essential tasks every workplace should complete before the calendar flips: your Formal Hazard Assessment Review and your Annual Safety Statistics & Compliance Checkup. 

1. Complete Your Formal Hazard Assessment Review 

A Formal Hazard Assessment (FHA) isn’t a one-and-done document—it’s a living part of your safety management system. Alberta OHS legislation requires employers to review their hazard assessments regularly, and completing an annual review is a great way to ensure your information is accurate and relevant. 

What to Review: 

• New tasks or work processes added this year 
• Changes to equipment, materials, or worksites 
• New or emerging hazards observed during the year 
• Control measures—are they still effective? Do they need updates? 
• Worker feedback gathered throughout the year 

Why It Matters: 

A thoughtful annual review helps ensure hazards are still correctly identified and properly controlled. It also reinforces your commitment to a safer workplace, reduces incidents, and strengthens due diligence if an inspection or investigation occurs. 

2. Review Your Annual Safety Statistics & Complete Outstanding Activities 

Before year-end, it’s important to take stock of your safety performance. Reviewing your safety data not only highlights areas of improvement but also celebrates the progress your team has made. 

Key Metrics to Look At: 

• Number of incidents and near misses 
• Types and severity of incidents 
• Trends (e.g., recurring hazards, departments with higher incident rates) 
• Completion rates for safety meetings, training, and inspections 

This information is invaluable for planning next year’s goals, re-prioritizing controls, and understanding what’s working—and what needs attention. 

A Quick Reminder: Don’t Forget These Annual Tasks 

As part of your safety wrap-up, make sure these commonly overlooked items are taken care of: 

• Fire extinguisher annual inspections & tagging 
• First aid kit restocking and expiry checks 
• Equipment and vehicle safety inspections 
• Emergency Response Drills (First Aid, Vehicle Incident, Evacuation) 
• Annual policy sign-offs 

These are the items that tend to slip through the cracks but are essential for staying compliant and prepared. 

Your year-end safety review not only keeps you aligned with regulatory requirements—it sets your organization up for a safer, stronger year. Taking the time to complete these tasks demonstrates leadership, supports your workers, and builds a resilient safety culture. 

If you need help completing your hazard assessment review, compiling your annual statistics, or catching up on required inspections, our team is here to support you. 

Here’s to a safe and successful year ahead! 

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