Interpersonal Workplace Rights & Responsibilities
Your Rights and Safety at Work
When starting a new job, it’s essential to know your rights regarding workplace safety and health. This not only protects your well-being but also helps create a safe environment for everyone at work. WorkSafeBC is a key organization in British Columbia that supports you in these areas by promoting safety through clear resources and regulations.
As a worker, you have the right to be informed about hazards in your workplace, to participate in safety activities, and to refuse dangerous tasks without fear of retaliation. These measures ensure that you always have the tools and knowledge needed to work safely.
If you notice a hazard in your workplace, it’s important to report it immediately. For example, if equipment is malfunctioning or there are unsafe conditions, your employer is obligated to act and resolve the issue. Additionally, participating in training sessions and safety committees gives you the opportunity to collaborate directly in improving workplace conditions, strengthening the culture of prevention.
If you ever feel that your safety is at risk, remember that you have the right to refuse dangerous work. This right is supported by WorkSafeBC, and you cannot be penalized for exercising it. Informing your supervisor about the situation is the first step to resolving the issue appropriately. If you need additional guidance or support, WorkSafeBC provides resources specifically for new and young workers. These tools will help you better understand your responsibilities and rights, ensuring you make informed decisions in every situation. Workplace safety is not just a right; it’s a shared priority for everyone.
Here are some activities to help you practice what you’ve learned!
Staying Safe at Work Course Presentation
Media Attributions
Interpersonal Workplace Rights & Responsibilities Video
- “Women Cleaning The Floor” by Tima Miroshnichenko, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Woman Harvesting Tomatoes” by Yan Krukau, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- WorkSafeBC website (Home and Health & Safety)
- “People Sorting Out Through A Pile Of Plastics” by Pressmaster, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Person Working on a Warehouse” by Gustavo Fring, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Workers In A Greenhouse Farming Checking Their Cultured Crops” by Pressmaster, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Person Disinfecting A Kitchen With Disinfectant Spray” by Matilda Wormwood, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Person Cleaning The Sink” by Photo By: Kaboompics.com, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Man Using A Power Toll To Cut A Board” by Pavel Danilyuk, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Men Getting Items from the Shelves in the Warehouse” by Tiger Lily, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Video Of Woman Carrying Box” by Artem Podrez, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Close-up of Plumber Fixing Faucet” by Alejandro Torres, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Woman Putting On a Protective Suit” by Michelangelo Buonarroti, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Hand Using an Atomizer” by Gustavo Fring, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Man Collecting a Garbage” by Everett Bumstead, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Man Using A Modern Electronic Note Pad” by Pressmaster, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Man Working with Drill on Building Wall” by FÁBIO REIS DE ABREU (PORTUGA), via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Coating A Concrete Roof With Spray Paint” by Bedrijfsfilmspecialist.nl, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Man Walking in a Construction Site While Holding a Walkie Talkie” by Mikael Blomkvist, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Woman Using a Hammer” by Kindel Media, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “Two Men Safely Installing Solar Panels” by Los Muertos Crew, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
- “A Man Placing the Boxes inside the Car” by Norma Mortenson, via Pexels, is used under the Pexels License.
Staying Safe at Work Course Presentation
- “Tiny model construction workers, working on a mobile phone screen” by Nik, via Unsplash, is used under the Unsplash License.
- “Law, Lawyer, Attorney” by MiamiAccidentLawyer, via Pixabay, is used under the Pixabay Content License.
- “A woman sitting at a table with a piece of paper in front of her” by Resume Genius, via Unsplash, is used under the Unsplash License.
- “Construction, Work, Build” by jrobbauthor, via Pixabay, is used under the Pixabay Content License.
- “The labour code, Human ressources, Labour law” by CUsai, via Pixabay, is used under the Pixabay Content License.
- “Lawyers, Personal injury, Accident” by Claimaccident, via Pixabay, is used under the Pixabay Content License.