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Know your rights

Every year almost 7000 young people are hurt at work in Manitoba. This especially means those under 25, but all new workers are at greater risk of being hurt in a new job. Injuries happen in all kinds of workplaces, not just the ones you might expect. When it comes to safety and health, every worker in Manitoba, regardless of age, has three basic rights in the workplace.

They are:

The right to know – about what hazards there are in the workplace and what precautions must be taken to prevent injuries from these hazards. 

The right to participate – in safety and health activities in the workplace without fear of any form of discriminatory action such as discipline. 

The right to refuse – work that they reasonably believe can be dangerous to themselves or others. 

Most bosses know that safety pays off. Injuries cause them a lot of trouble on top of the pain of someone who’s hurt, and they appreciate it when a worker asks or tells them about safety hazards. They know good safety is good business for everyone.

Your employer is legally responsible for putting safe work practices in place, and you’re responsible for following them. If you have safety and health concerns, it’s your responsibility to report them. Here’s where to raise questions: 

  1. If a task feels unsafe, tell your immediate supervisor, and explain why you’re not comfortable. In most cases, the issue will be resolved at this stage.
  2. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer from your immediate supervisor, or they’re not available, go to their supervisor.
  3. If you’re still not satisfied, ask your safety representative, a member of the safety committee, or a shop steward.
  4. Most problems are solved before getting to this stage, but your last resort is the Workplace Safety and Health Division (WSH) or Human Resources and Social Development (HRSDC) Labour Program.

Tips to keep safe on the job

  • Don’t assume you can do something you’ve never done before. Ask your supervisor to show you how to do it safely before you begin work.
  • Ask your employer for training on the safe work procedures for each task you must perform.
  • Use all safety gear and protective clothing when and where required.
  • Always follow safe work procedures and encourage your co-workers to do the same.
  • Keep your work area clean and tidy.
  • Correct unsafe conditions immediately or report them right away to your supervisor.
  • Ask for training on how to handle any hazardous materials or chemicals you use on the job.
  • Talk to your supervisor if you have any doubts about your safety and health.
  • Tell your supervisor of any limitations you have that may make you unable to perform a task safely.

 

Source: © WorkSAFEBC. Used with permission.

Where to get help

SAFE workplaces are a two-way street – just like the relationship between rights and responsibilities. Workers may find the following tips helpful.

  1. If a task feels unsafe, tell your supervisor and explain why you’re uncomfortable. In most cases, this will resolve the issue. 
  2. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer from your supervisor, go to their supervisor.
  3. If you’re still not satisfied, ask your safety representative, a member of the safety committee or a shop steward.
  4. Most problems are solved before getting to this stage, but your last resort is the Workplace Safety and Health Division or Human Resources and Social Development Labour Program.

Call the Workplace Safety and Health Division at 945-3446 or 1-800-282-8069 if you live outside Winnipeg and talk to a Client Services Officer about your concerns. Or call the Human Resources and Social Development Labour Program at 1-800-641-4049.

Check out these great resources SAFE Work offers to help you and your colleagues learn “the basics”:

Health and Safety 101

Getting a Job Brochure