Did you know that Students and young workers have a much greater chance of being hurt in the workplace than older workers?
Part of the reason is inexperience and lack of training; another part though is a lack of understanding of the protections that are in place for all workers regardless of experience. Consider this to be an introduction which outlines some of the government legislated protections that are in place for you. I have also provided links to more detailed websites and resources.
In Canada all employees (associates), including students have basic rights in their workplaces:
- You have the right to know what hazards are present in the workplace;
- You have the right to participate in keeping your place healthy and safe;
- You have the right to refuse work that you believe is dangerous to yourself and your coworkers.
This post describes the laws in Ontario, but many other parts of North America have similar policies to protect associates.
- Every employer has a legislated responsibility to provide a “safe” working environment for all of their associates. Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Everyone as a role to play in Health and Safety and the act is divides those responsibilities into:
- Employers responsibilities;
- Managers responsibilities;
- Associate’s responsibilities.
2. Every workplace is required to have a health and safety representative. Very small organizations just have one person dedicated to health & safety. Organizations with over twenty associates must have a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) with equal representation of management and associates. The associate’s representative(s) must be chosen by the associates. Each member needs to be trained, certified, and given paid time for monthly inspections, meetings, and ongoing training. Each inspection report is to be posted on the Health and Safety Board. The employer has to correct any deficiencies within an agreed time period. Joint Health and Safety Committees
3. New associates, including students, are required to be given an orientation tour identifying all workplace hazards they will be exposed to. Prior to starting their duties, each new associate should receive proper training to do their job safely.
4. Any workplace that uses chemicals or any hazardous products must train any new associate how to safely use and to be aware of those products. The Material Safety Data sheet (MSDS) are a key component of that training. Material Safety Data Sheet. The MSDS are to be kept in an accessible location for every associate to use and reference.
5. New associates are to be trained on Workplace Hazardous Materials System. WHIMS
6. Employers are required to have one staff associate on duty at all times who is certified for Standard First Aid, as well as having stocked and checked first aid kits available. The names of current First Aiders are to be posted on the Health and Safety Board; first aid certificates have to be renewed every 2-3 years.
7. In Ontario all workers are insured by the Worker’s Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Your workplace should have 4 Steps if you are hurt at work posted on their Health and Safety Board. If you are hurt on the job:
- You need to get medical help immediately and your employer will assist;
- You to need report the incident and your employer will document what happened;
- WSIB needs to be notified as soon as possible;
- WSIB, your employer and you will work together to help you recover and return to work. Your employer will have a modified light duties list and will usually need a form from your doctor. Ask your doctor for a Functional Abilities Form (FAF)
8. You are allowed to refuse unsafe work that you believe is dangerous or you have not received training for. Your employer must have a written policy on an “Associate’s Right to Refuse unsafe work”. Both you and the employer have responsibilities and both must be reasonable to resolve any issues, the Ministry of Labour can help as well.
9. You have responsibilities, such as:
- Never work in an unsafe manner;
- Use all of the safety equipment provided by the employer in the way it was intended;
- Never remove any safety equipment or guards from tools;
- Never use equipment or tools that you have not been trained on;
- Report an unsafe equipment.
10. Understand Bill 168 on workplace harassment. No one can threaten you or harass you while working. Your employer should have a written policy on Workplace Discrimination and Harassment that is up to date and is posted. Bill 168
11. If you have a problem, start with your supervisor and/or your health and safety representative. If that doesn’t work, call the Ministry of Labour, you can contact them for advice and it can be anonymous. Contacting the Ontario Labour Board
12. Many new associates are afraid of losing their jobs, the government has set all of these rules in place to protect you, asking about information is the best way to lose that fear. Another great resource is Ontario 211
Some Examples of Hazards
Your employer is required to have identified all of the hazards in their workplace and will have policies and training in place to protect their associates.
Covid-19: (all organizations) The Public Health Department for your region will have produced policies and guidelines to keep workplaces safe. Your employer is required to follow these procedures. A copy should be posted on your Health and Safety Board.
Loading docks: (all organizations) Loading docks can be extremely dangerous because trucks usually backup with large blind spots.
Dock plates: (all organizations) These heavy steel plates are used to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a trailer or truck, they are awkward and heavy. It is important to use them to avoid the possibility of falling between the truck and the building.
Leveling dock plates: (all organizations) These scissor type dock plates are semi-automatic and spring loaded and can be extremely dangerous if they jam or fail to deploy properly.
Spotting: (Retail deliveries, construction) You might have to spot someone backing up a truck or someone using a ladder. Any time some is using equipment, not only is it important to be there, you have to know what you are doing. Spotting video
Working outdoors: (all organizations) Protection against Ultra-violet rays (hats, sunscreen), protection from animals, and extremes in weather are important hazards.
Working at heights: (Construction, retail) Any time you have to climb anything, there are hazards to be aware of. Safe Working at Heights
Lifting: (all organizations) Lifting is a skill (Safe Manual Materials Handling) and you should always only lift what you feel comfortable doing, never be “bullied” or “shamed” into lifting more. Your back pivots on some very small vertebrate that have to last your entire life.
Delivering items: (furniture retailers) There are a multitude of hazards, everything from unloading heavy awkward items from trucks, to making sure the truck has a spotter when backing up (training a spotter is important), including working on uneven surfaces, and walking backwards while carrying.
Cleaning products: (all organizations) Before using any cleaners, read the instructions and follow any warnings about wearing gloves etc. NEVER MIX ANY CHEMICALS, EVER. Some cleaners react explosively when mixed with other chemicals or release harmful gases.
Salmonella: (Restaurant/food organizations) Any place that requires you to handle raw meat or eggs has the potential to be hazardous.
Heavy Equipment: (Construction, Agriculture) Any workplace with machinery will have a multitude of hazards and potential dangers.
Burns: (Restaurants) Restaurants have many hazards, hot ranges, grease traps, lots of people in tight spaces. For a new associate, mistakes happen and burns/injuries can result.
Falling snow, slipping hazards: (all organizations) Many buildings have gable (peaked) steel rooves and in places where snow accumulates on warm early spring days it is not uncommon for several tons of snow to slide from the roof. Any surface that is wet or icy is a hazard and your employer will have systems in place to minimize the safety hazard.
Tripping hazards: (Retail, construction) If your supervisor insists that garbage and debris be cleaned up constantly, they are not just a neat freak, it is good business to remove any and all tripping hazards.
Co-workers: (anywhere) Bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, violence can happen anywhere, your employer should have a written policy posted on all of these points on their health and safety board. If it happens do not suffer in silence. Check out my blog on Dealing with Difficult Clients or Customers
Summary
Employers must protect their associates; it is a moral and legislated responsibility. Ask questions and take advantage of the protections that have been put in place.
Author’s note: In my career, I have run a Joint Health and Safety Committee with Level 1 and 2 certification, written health and safety policies and procedures, taught WHIMS courses, and trained new associates on health and safety. Making sure my associates were safe was the most important part of what I did as a manager.