Workers Rights

As we continue to highlight Occupational Health and Safety this week we want to ensure everyone is aware of worker rights. Did you know that you have three important rights in regards to health and safety. These rights are for all workers to ensure that they have the knowledge to stay safe while on the job. These rights are:

1. Right to refuse unsafe work.

An employee can refuse work if he/she believes that the situation is unsafe to either himself/herself or his/her co-workers. When a worker believes that a work refusal should be initiated, an employee is expected to inform their manager/supervisor in a calm, respectful and professional manner that they believe the situation to be unsafe and why they believe the situation to be unsafe. Once a potentially unsafe situation has been identified, the following actions will take place:

• the employee, supervisor, and a JHSC member or employee representative will investigate
• the employee returns to work if the problem is resolved with mutual agreement
• if the problem is not resolved, a government health and safety inspector is called
• inspector investigates and gives decision in writing.

2. Right to participate in the workplace health and safety activities through Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) or participate in the selection of a worker health and safety representative.

All employees within jurisdictions that require a Joint Health and Safety Committee have the right to be selected by their peers to sit on the Joint Health and Safety Committee as an employee representative. In addition, all employees have the right to participate in the process involving the selection of their employee Joint Health and Safety Committee representative.

3. Right to know, or the right to be informed about, actual and potential dangers in the workplace.

Managers and supervisors act on behalf of the employer, and hence have the responsibility to meet the duties of the employer. SanMar Canada has the responsibility to advise workers of potential and actual hazards. SanMar Canada must also take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of workers.

For further information about your health and safety rights and responsibilities, speak with a member of your Joint Health and Safety Committee.