Serious Incident — Alberta OHS
A serious incident in Alberta OHS is an incident that results in a fatality, a critical injury, or a dangerous occurrence as defined in the OHS Act. Serious incidents must be reported to Alberta OHS immediately and must be investigated using a formal process. The worksite must not be disturbed until an OHS officer has investigated.
When a serious incident occurs at an Alberta worksite, the employer's response in the first hours is critical — both for the welfare of those involved and for the legal and regulatory process that follows. Knowing what to do before an incident happens is the only way to respond correctly when it does.
What qualifies as a serious incident
Alberta OHS defines serious incidents to include: fatalities, critical injuries (injuries that are life-threatening, result in permanent impairment, or require immediate medical attention beyond first aid), and dangerous occurrences (incidents that could have caused a fatality or critical injury, such as a structural collapse, an explosion, or a release of a hazardous substance).
The definition is broader than many employers realize. A near miss that could have killed someone qualifies as a dangerous occurrence and must be reported.
Immediate obligations after a serious incident
The employer must: secure the scene and ensure no further injuries occur, call emergency services if needed, report the incident to Alberta OHS immediately (by phone), and preserve the scene — do not disturb, alter, or remove anything from the scene until an OHS officer has investigated and given permission.
The obligation to preserve the scene is one of the most commonly misunderstood requirements. Employers sometimes clean up or repair damage before an OHS officer arrives, which can result in additional charges for obstruction.
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