Occupational Health and Safety Act

Your supervisor and employer have responsibilities and duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

You have rights and responsibilities for your safety and actions, and for others affected by your actions. Be sure to review the OHSA for detailed information.

The OHSA guarantees you three basic rights

1. Knowledge: your employer must inform you about hazards in the workplace. Ask if you’re not sure if something is dangerous.
2. Participation: you have the right to make recommendations on health and safety issues.
3. Refusal: you have the right to refuse any work if you believe it endangers yourself or others

Your employer must ensure a safe working environment. This includes:

• ensuring that you use required equipment, protective devices, and clothing
• your supervisor advising you of potential danger
• if you work with hazardous materials, your employer must inform you about the WHMIS program (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) and provide workplace specific training

What to do:

• If an accident occurs, report it to your supervisor.
• Always inform your student advisor of any accident.
• If you’re asked to complete a work task that may risk your well-being, notify your student advisor immediately.

Employees of the federal government or workplaces under federal jurisdiction, such as banks and post offices, are covered under the Canada Labour Code.