Job Safety And The Law

It is against the law for anyone to force you to do work that you think is unsafe. For example: If you or a co- worker are in imminent danger.

OH&S Act Each province in Canada has it’s own Act. It specifies the safety standards designed to protect the health and safety of workers.

It also includes the rights and duties required of both the employers and of the workers.

In Alberta: both employers and workers are responsible for safety in the workplace

An employer is: A)a person who employs one or more workers or B) A person who is self-employed

A worker is: Any person working at a job. You need to know your rights and what is expected of you.

Imminent Danger Any danger that is not normally found in the job, or a danger under which a person doing that job would not normally carry out his/her work.

Who is covered by the OH&S Act? Most workers and employers, except: Domestic workers ( such as nannies or housekeepers). Federal government workers Workers in industries regulated by the federal government ( banks, television and radio broadcasters, national transportation companies). Farmers and other agricultural workers.

You employer must look after you safety! They must: Make sure workers are competent (make sure you have the training to do the job well). Provide the safety equipment and training. Train workers to handle dangers or dangerous products. Investigate accidents that cause serious injuries/incidents that could cause serious injuries.

Every Worker Shall: Take reasonable care to protect his/her own health and safety as well as the other workers present while at work and… Co-operate with the employer to protect the health and safety of self and other workers at the workplace.