The 3 Most Common Safety Violations That Lead to Fines in Canada — And How to Avoid Them

Workplace safety is a top priority for every responsible employer—but even the most experienced teams can fall short when it comes to compliance. Across Canada, certain safety violations are consistently responsible for the majority of fines, incidents, and work stoppages. The good news? Most of these issues are preventable with the right training, procedures, and expert support.

At Irwin’s Safety, we work with companies across multiple industries—from construction and oil & gas to utilities and mining—to strengthen their safety programs and stay compliant with provincial and federal regulations.

Here are the top three safety violations flagged most often on Canadian worksites—and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Inadequate Fall Protection

Falls remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities in Canada. Despite clear regulations under provincial OHS codes, many job sites continue to operate without proper fall arrest systems, guardrails, or employee training.

Common issues include:

• Workers not wearing or incorrectly using fall arrest equipment
• Missing guardrails on elevated platforms or scaffolding
• Lack of proper hazard assessments for fall risks

The solution:
Proper training and a clear fall protection plan are essential. At Irwin’s, we offer Fall Protection Training that meets provincial standards and gives your crew hands-on experience with real equipment and scenarios.

2. Unsafe Confined Space Entry

Confined spaces—such as tanks, tunnels, or silos—pose unique risks, including oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, and restricted access. Despite strict entry protocols, many worksites still operate with outdated or inconsistent procedures, putting workers at serious risk.

Typical violations include:

• Lack of confined space entry permits
• No atmospheric monitoring in place
• Insufficient emergency rescue planning

The solution:
Technology has made confined space safety more effective and easier to manage. Our Digital Confined Space Monitoring provides real-time tracking, gas detection, and automated logging to ensure every entry is monitored and documented. We also offer confined space rescue teams to support high-risk work.

3. Insufficient Training and Supervision

Too often, workers are assigned high-risk tasks without the proper qualifications, or are left unsupervised in situations that require certified oversight. This not only puts employees in danger—it’s one of the fastest ways to get fined during a workplace inspection.

Common issues include:

• Outdated safety certifications
• New hires not receiving adequate onboarding
• Lack of on-site supervisors for high-risk tasks

The solution:
A strong safety program starts with education and clear protocols. Our Safety Consulting services are designed to help organizations identify gaps, improve training programs, and implement practical systems that align with both safety goals and regulatory compliance.

Protect Your Team—and Your Business

The consequences of non-compliance go beyond fines. A single incident can lead to shutdowns, lost productivity, reputational damage, or worse. The key is to be proactive—not reactive.

If you’re unsure whether your current safety program is covering all the bases, we can help. Irwin’s Safety offers comprehensive consulting, field audits, and on-site safety support to help you create a safer, more compliant work environment.

Let’s talk about what your team needs.