Staying safe on the job is everyone’s responsibility. Being educated on the risks, as well as injury prevention tips, is key. In order to eliminate workplace injury, workers and employers alike must be aware of all safety rules and responsibilities. Following these rules and responsibilities will keep you and your employees safe at work.
What are my rights as a worker?
Under occupational health and safety legislation you have three rights:
- The right to know the hazards at work and how to control them
- The right to find and control workplace hazards
- The right to refuse work, which you believe is unusually dangerous
What are my responsibilities?
As a worker you have rights, but you also have responsibilities to work and act safely on the job. Under the legislation you are expected to:
- Cooperate with your employer, supervisor, occupational health committee, or occupational health and safety representative
- Know and follow company health and safety policies, practices and procedures
- Use safety equipment properly and as required by the employer
- Report accidents, occupational illnesses, and near misses
- Report health and safety hazards and concerns
- Refrain from causing, encouraging or participating in harassment
- Conduct yourself in a safe and responsible manner