Young Workers: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Young Workers: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Has anyone ever asked you to do something that you felt uncomfortable doing? Have you ever felt intimidated because you were new to a workplace? Being new on the job is hard, and learning to speak up for your rights as a worker can sometimes be difficult; but no paycheque is worth getting hurt for. You need to make sure you stay safe and get home in one piece---no matter what. Take the initiative to know what your rights and responsibilities are, and how to stay safe in the workplace.

What are your RIGHTS as a worker?

• You have the right to KNOW:
• To know what hazards are present on the job and how these hazards can affect you
• To learn about chemical safety through WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
• To receive information, instruction, and training about safe work procedures
• You have the right to BE OUTFITTED with equipment and safety gear required to do the job safely.
• You have the right to SPEAK UP.
• You have the right to report unsafe practices and conditions without worrying that you will lose your job or get in trouble.
• All workers have the right to participate in workplace health and safety activities. For example, you can be chosen to be a health and safety representative or a member of a committee.
• You have the right to REFUSE.
• You can refuse to do tasks and to work in conditions you think are unsafe, without being fired or being disciplined for refusing.
• You have the right to be supervised to make sure you are working without unnecessary risk to yourself or others.

How to refuse unsafe work

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: 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. If you don't get a satisfactory answer from your immediate supervisor, or that person is not available, go to up to the next higher supervisor. If you're still not satisfied, ask your safety representative, a member of the safety committee, or a shop steward to help. Most problems are solved before getting to this stage, but your last recourse is WorkSafeBC. Phone and explain your safety concerns (you can do it anonymously). Call (604) 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland or toll-free 1 (888) 621-7233.

What are your RESPONSIBILITIES as a worker?

• You should know and follow your workplace's health and safety requirements, and encourage co-workers to do the same.
• If you don't know how to do something safely, ask for training before you begin work.
• Cooperate with the joint committee or worker health and safety representative, WorkSafeBC prevention officers, and any other person carrying out occupational health and safety duties.
• Be alert to hazards, and immediately report hazards or problems to the supervisor or employer.
• Immediately report an unsafe situation to your supervisor or employer.
• Use the protective clothing, devices, and equipment provided and find out what protective clothing you need to get for yourself.
• Refuse to do work you believe would pose a hazard to anyone's health and safety.

http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/YoungWorker/Resources-FocusReport2011.asp?reportID=36311