All workers have 4 basic Health & Saftey Rights
The right to know about hazards in the workplace
The right to participate in OH & S activities through the Joint Health & Safety Committee
The right to refuse unsafe work if you are being directed to do something that you believe could hurt you or someone else, you have the duty and right to refuse unsafe work, under Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 3.12.
The Right to no discrimination for using any of your health and safety rights or contacting the Worker’s Compensation Board of BC (WCB) or your union. Regulation 3.13 says that you cannot be fired or disciplined for refusing unsafe work.
IF YOU ARE INJURED AT WORK OR HAVE SYMPTOMS OF A WORK-RELATED ILLNESS, FOLLOW THESE STEPS.
STEP ONE: Report it to a first aid attendant or supervisor
STEP TWO: Seek medical attention and tell your doctor your injury is work-related. Your employer is responsible for your transportation costs from your workplace to a doctor’s office or hospital on the day of duty only.
STEP THREE: Start a claim by reporting it to the WCB as soon as possible. If you seek medical attention as a result of your injury, start your claim by calling WCB Teleclaim, 1 888-WORKERS (1-888-967-5377), or download and submit an Application for Compensation at worksafebc.com
Don’t let anyone, including a supervisor or person in authority, tell you not to report an incident, no matter how small it may seem.
HARASSMENT AND BULLYING AT WORK
Your employer is obligated to provide a workplace that is safe, free of harassment and that provides an environment in which diversity is respected. Check your collective agreement for harassment language.
If you experience bullying, harassment, or discrimination based on the prohibited grounds under BC’s Human Rights Code, you should contact your steward for assistance. You can also check out the WorkSafeBC website for tools and resources for dealing with bullying and harassment and workplace violence.