Workers' rights, also known as labour rights, are legal rights regarding work. That being said, you are legally allowed to use your rights. Canada is a country with reasonable rights for workers. We should take advantage of these rights and follow them. After all, it is an obligation to provide a safe environment to work in.
Here are the rights of workers:
- The right to know - When it comes to working, every employee has the right to know about the environment they must work in. They have the right to know about potential dangers and hazards, as well how they can be affected in the work area. Do you know about WHMIS? It's good to know about this too! For more information on WHMIS, click here.
- The right to refuse - If you have been chosen to handle any unsafe work, you have the right to refuse it. As an employee/worker, you don't have to do something you think is unsafe if it is not a part of your job. By choosing to do work that is dangerous, safety precautions must be followed.
- The right to be outfitted - What does this right mean? It is simple: you have the right to be wearing the proper gear to keep you safe in the environment you work in. Remember, safety first!
- The right to speak - If you feel unsafe in your environment or you feel like someone is not taking precautions, you have the right to speak up. It is crucial that you take the responsibility to report any unsafe behaviours. In addition, as an employee, you also have the right to participate in activities held at work.
There are also responsibilities as a worker. It may feel good to have rights and to be able to refuse unsafe work, though workers need to know and follow their responsibilities. Are you allowed to cooperate the way you want to at work? Are rights considered a responsibility as well? Here are your responsibilities as a worker:
- If you are not sure how to perform a task, ask someone to show you how.
- Follow the safety requirements at your work. It is not your job to make sure that others follow those rules, though you can report any unsafe behaviours, as it is one of you rights as a worker; however, you can reassure others.
- You should cooperate with people wanting to make your workplace a safe environment.
- Keep an eye out for potential dangers. Take advantage of your rights and report any bad behaviour or hazards.
- Instantly report any unsafe things or behaviours to your employer, supervisor, et cetera.
- You can refuse work that you think is unsafe and dangerous to your health.
- Wear protective gear when working in an unsafe area.
Here are the rights of workers:
- The right to know - When it comes to working, every employee has the right to know about the environment they must work in. They have the right to know about potential dangers and hazards, as well how they can be affected in the work area. Do you know about WHMIS? It's good to know about this too! For more information on WHMIS, click here.
- The right to refuse - If you have been chosen to handle any unsafe work, you have the right to refuse it. As an employee/worker, you don't have to do something you think is unsafe if it is not a part of your job. By choosing to do work that is dangerous, safety precautions must be followed.
- The right to be outfitted - What does this right mean? It is simple: you have the right to be wearing the proper gear to keep you safe in the environment you work in. Remember, safety first!
- The right to speak - If you feel unsafe in your environment or you feel like someone is not taking precautions, you have the right to speak up. It is crucial that you take the responsibility to report any unsafe behaviours. In addition, as an employee, you also have the right to participate in activities held at work.
There are also responsibilities as a worker. It may feel good to have rights and to be able to refuse unsafe work, though workers need to know and follow their responsibilities. Are you allowed to cooperate the way you want to at work? Are rights considered a responsibility as well? Here are your responsibilities as a worker:
- If you are not sure how to perform a task, ask someone to show you how.
- Follow the safety requirements at your work. It is not your job to make sure that others follow those rules, though you can report any unsafe behaviours, as it is one of you rights as a worker; however, you can reassure others.
- You should cooperate with people wanting to make your workplace a safe environment.
- Keep an eye out for potential dangers. Take advantage of your rights and report any bad behaviour or hazards.
- Instantly report any unsafe things or behaviours to your employer, supervisor, et cetera.
- You can refuse work that you think is unsafe and dangerous to your health.
- Wear protective gear when working in an unsafe area.