Printer-friendly format

> Home > I'm Working Now

What things should I know and do at work to keep myself safe?

Here are four things you can do.

Of your boss: If you don't know, aren't sure or simply want to know more, then ask your boss. There is no such thing as a dumb question, especially when you're asking how to do a job that you've never done before. Ask until you're out of questions, to make sure you are totally clear on the task that needs to be done and how to do it.

Of yourself: Do I really know how to do this? Do I know what to do if...? If the answer is no, ask your boss.

Of others: Ask the health and safety committee member about the work, ask your parents or others in your household who may have worked at similar jobs or make a call to a health and safety association, the union office (if there's a union), the Ministry of Labour or others.

Who can I talk to outside of the workplace? Check out some of our links.

2. GET INFORMED

Before starting a new job or a new assignment at the same job, make a mental checklist and ask yourself these questions.

• Do I know everything I need to know to recognize, assess and take control of hazards (as a worker) in this workplace and/or this task?
• Do I know how to do this work safely?
• Have I been trained?
• Do I have everything I need to do the job safely?
  • Are the tools I've been given appropriate and in good condition?
  • Do I have the right personal protective equipment and does it fit? Do I know how to use it? Is it in good shape?
• Where is the supervisor in case I have a question?

3. WORK SAFELY

Follow the rules. The government creates laws to protect you and the employer provides you with workplace policies and procedures you must follow.

Do not fool around. Horseplay at work may seem like fun for some people, but it can be extremely dangerous and it's against the law.

4. SAY NO. IT'S OKAY. IT'S YOUR RIGHT

If you have tried to solve a health and safety concern by asking questions or if you don't have the health and safety training you need, or if something has just happened and you are concerned that it's not safe, you must tell your supervisor immediately. If he or she cannot or does not resolve the issue, then it's okay to say 'no' to the unsafe work. In fact, by law you have the right to refuse work that you think is unsafe.

Until the issue is resolved, you will be kept from the unsafe work. There is a process to follow set out in the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

Want to know more about reporting hazards and refusing unsafe work? I don't think my work is safe

What things should I know at work to protect my employment rights?

Here is a checklist of things that you should consider when you start your job:

• Where is the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) information poster? Under the law, most employers in the province must display the ESA poster in the workplace, in a location where it is likely to be seen by employees. An employer who fails to meet these posting requirements may be prosecuted and fined.

• Is my employer keeping records? All employers in Ontario are required to keep written records about each person they hire. Such records include information about an employee's salary, vacation and hours worked.

• When can I schedule my vacation? Your employer will decide when you may schedule your vacation time. Although the law states that an employee is entitled to vacation time after working with an employer for 12 months, many employers will allow you to take vacation time prior to the 12 months.

• Does my employer provide an employee benefit plan? Your employer does not have to provide benefits, however, if your employer does decide to provide one or more plans, he or she cannot discriminate between employees or their dependants, beneficiaries or survivors because of their age, sex, marital status or same-sex partnership status.

• If my employer has 50 or more employees, I may be entitled to emergency leave. Eligible employees can take up to ten unpaid job protected days a year. (see Time off; Emergency Leave)

This information is provided as a public service by the Government of Ontario. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the currency and accuracy of the information presented on the site, but readers should verify information before acting on it.

External Links Disclaimer

Copyright information: © Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2002-09