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Workplace Safety – Have YOU Got What It Takes?

Finally, school is out and summer begins. For many of us, it is also the time of year when we are taking on a job. Whether it is for earning you some extra cash or simply gaining practical experience, taking on a new job can be exciting. However, it can also be challenging as you are working with new people, trying to establish a good relationship with your colleagues, and doing new and unfamiliar tasks. Amidst all the pressures, there is one essential thing that you shouldn’t forget. That is your safety at workplace.

When it comes to this topic, I personally have some regrets. When I was in high school, taking a summer job was a tradition for me. I used to work in a variety of places such as warehouse, packaging company, etc. In retrospect, there were times when I was given a dangerous task to complete or I did not receive proper training for my job (at least in my opinion); yet I still carried on with my work. Now thinking about the experience, it was really foolish of me in a sense that I overlooked my safety at workplace to a certain extent. To avoid the same mistakes that I made, you need to be prepared before stepping into your workplace that can be potentially hazardous. That requires you being fully aware of your legal rights and responsibilities as a worker.

Your Legal Rights

Your right to know:
- It's your right to be informed by your supervisor or boss about every known hazards at your workplace and how to deal with them.
- Before starting your job, your employer must provide proper training and supervision to ensure that you can perform your job safely.
- Always remember that if you are unclear on how to appropriately execute your tasks, ask your supervisor. Don’t be shy or hesitant or think that you are incompetent by asking questions. Your safety comes first.
Your right to refuse unsafe work:
- At workplace, when your employer needs you to do something, it is hard to turn down the request. However, if you think your work can compromise your or other people’s health and safety, you should immediately bring this issue to the attention of your supervisor or boss and try to work it out first. If nothing gets resolved, you can politely but firmly refuse to work. It is your right.

Your Responsibilities

As a worker, you also have responsibilities that you must fulfill in order to help you stay safe at work.

Rules are NOT meant to be broken: At every workplace, there are “Do’s and Don’ts.” And you are expected to follow those rules at all times. They are there not to restrain your freedom or make life difficult for you, but they are there to ensure your safety.
Do not fool around. Pranks can be funny at times; but pulling them at work is simply a foolish act that may come with serious consequences.
Just as much as you want to stay safe while working, so do other people. To ensure a safe working environment, it is EVERYONE’s responsibility to timely report dangerous situations.
Last but not least, your safety requires your protection. Wear gloves, goggles, safety boots or other protective equipments that are required for your job at all times. You should never remove a safety device that is designed to protect you. That’s the law.

David’s story (see above) is a tragic reminder to us all. Workplace safety is something that we can’t afford to neglect. Be aware of and practice your rights and responsibilities as a young worker. Summer can be a fun and exciting time only if you live to enjoy it.

For more information on this topic, please consult sources listed below.

Sources:
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. http://www.wsib.on.ca
Ontario Ministry of Labour. http://www.worksmartontario.gov.on.ca/scripts/default.asp
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. http://www.ccohs.ca/youngworkers/