Every worker has the right to a safe workplace, but they also have responsibilities to keep their own workplaces safe.
Worker Rights:
- The right to know about hazards in your workplace and how to deal with them.
- What hazards exist on the worksite? What are the safety procedures that reduce risk of injury? Where are the emergency supplies? What are the emergency procedures?
- You have the right to know the answers to these questions BEFORE you start working.
- You have a right to know how to do your work safely and properly.
- Your supervisor must make sure you know all the hazards on a worksite, and how to deal with them.
- You have the right and the responsibility to receive proper training to manage any risks of getting hurt.
- The right to participate in making your workplace safe.
- See something unsafe at your workplace? Have suggestions on how to make your workplace safer? Concerned about your health and safety, or a coworker's? Tell your supervisor. You have the right to participate in ensuring your workplace is safe.
- At a smaller workplace, you can become the Safety Representative. At a larger workplace, you can join the OHS Committee as a worker representative.
- The right to refuse unsafe work.
- Don't do any work if you are not sure how to do it safely and properly.
- If your work situation puts you or others in unusual danger*, you have the right to refuse that work. Tell your supervisor.
