Starting a New Job
Know Your Rights
Starting a new job is very exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. After all, you’re meeting new people and worrying about making a good impression in front of your boss and co-workers. With all that pressure, don’t forget to ask about your basic rights when it comes to workplace safety.
You owe it to yourself to know your rights!
Want to learn more about your workplace rights? Visit WorksmartOntario.
Know Your Responsibilities
As an employee you have many rights, but you also have many responsibilities. By being responsible in the workplace, you can help avoid injury.
Follow all safety rules
The old saying “rules are meant to be broken” definitely does not apply to workplace safety. You may be tempted at times to take shortcuts, but at the end of the day, you were trained a certain way for a reason – to keep all your body parts in tact! If you have not received health and safety training, let your employer know right away.
Report hazards
No one likes to be a snitch, but when it comes to workplace safety it’s your responsibility to report potentially hazardous situations. Just imagine how you’d feel if someone got seriously injured because you didn’t want to make a report.
Protect yourself
Gloves, masks, safety boots and other protective gear may not look cool, but if the job requires it, you’ve got to wear it. You should also never remove a guard or device designed to protect you. That’s the law. No job is worth risking your life.
How to Refuse Work
If you have reason to believe that your workplace is unsafe, you have the right to refuse to work. You should always try to get your employer to correct the unsafe work situation first.
Check out the chart below to find out how a typical refusal process may play out: