No matter what job responsibilities you may have, all employees have the following three fundamental rights.

1. Right to know
All employees have a right to receive the training needed to do the job safely. All employees, new, transferred or experienced, should be made aware of:

• Workplace hazards
  
• Safe work procedures
  
• Emergency procedures

If at any time you are unsure about a task on the job or are concerned about your personal safety or the safety of others, you should talk to your supervisor about receiving additional on-the-job training.

2. Right to participate
All employees have a right to participate in solving health and safety problems and in the identification and control of workplace hazards. In workplaces with 20 or more employees, joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) are formed to address health and safety concerns. It is a good idea for employees to know who the workplace JHSC representative(s) are in case you have a question or concern related to workplace health or safety.

3. Right to refuse dangerous work
All employees have the right to refuse work they believe is dangerous to their health or safety, or to that of others.

 

What are my responsibilities as an employee?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out a variety of employee responsibilities designed to help ensure a healthy and safe work environment. Employees must:

Comply with the OHS Act and Regulations.

Conduct themselves in a safe manner and not put themselves or others at risk

 

Report any workplace hazards;

 

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

 

Co-operate with the joint health and safety committee (JHSC) or safety representatives.

 

Co-operate with health and safety officers.