Since 1979, when the Occupational Health and Safety Act came into law, amendments to the Act have been introduced to establish new procedures as well as new rights and duties for workers, employers, supervisors, and others in the workplace. One of the most important changes was giving Joint Health & Safety Committees the right to participate in health and safety recommendations. But that wasn’t the only established right given to workers. There are three basic rights.
Every Worker has Rights
The Ham Commission Report was instrumental in establishing the three basic rights for workers. These include:
Right to Know
Employers and supervisors must ensure workers are aware of the hazards presented by people, equipment, materials, the environment, and processes. Workers have the right to be trained on and receive information about dangerous and hazardous substances that they are exposed to or are likely to be exposed to.
Right to Participate
The right to participate is best illustrated through worker membership on the JHSC. Workers have the right to ask questions about issues concerning their health and safety or that of a coworker. Workers have the right to be a part of the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling workplace health and safety hazards. Participation can also be achieved by reporting unsafe conditions to the supervisor or employer.
Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
Workers may refuse work where they believe it is likely to endanger themselves or any other worker. The Act includes a detailed process for refusing unsafe work and explains the employer’s responsibility for responding to work refusals. The Act also provides workers with protection from reprisal or retaliation from the employer should they decide to refuse unsafe work.