Functional responsibility:
The passage of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the consequent creation of the Council was instigated by the final report of the Industrial Health and Safety Commission in 1975. The Commission was appointed in 1973 to conduct a comprehensive study of all existing policies and programs regarding worker safety in the government of Alberta at that time and to recommend alternate ways to create a coordinated occupational health and safety program in the province.
The Council is responsible for advising the Minister responsible on matters concerning the administration of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its associated regulations and on matters concerning the health and safety of workers, hearing appeals from orders of occupational health and safety officers, and any duties assigned by the Minister with respect to the administration of the act.

Predecessor and successor bodies:
Before the passage of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, there existed no government agency responsible for advising the Minister on workplace health and safety issues. A number of departments had safety programs particular to the activities governed by that department, such as the Mines Safety Inspection unit of the Energy Resources Conservation Board and the Accident Prevention Department of the Workers' Compensation Board.

Administrative relationships:
The Occupational Health and Safety Council reported to the Minister of Labour (1976-79 and 1993-99), the Minister responsible for Workers' Health, Safety and Compensation (1979-86), the Minister of Community and Occupational Health (1986-88), the Minister of the Environment (1988-89), and the Minister responsible for Occupational Health and Safety (1989-92). The Minister submitted the annual report of the Council to the Legislative Assembly.

Administrative structure:
The Council is made up of twelve members representing business, labour, and the general public. Members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. The Minister to whom the Council reports designates one member as Chairman.