Understanding the OHSA

What does OHSA stand for?

Occupational health and safety act

What is the OHSA?

A set of laws that spells out the duties of employers and supervisors, and the rights and duties of workers

Three basic employee rights

1. The right to know about workplace hazards, how the hazards might hurt them and how they can work safely.

2. The right to participate in health and safety at work, such as asking questions or participation on a H&S committee

Which three people does the act name as having responsibility for the health and safety into workplace?

1. Owner/employer

2. Supervisor

3. Worker

List one duty of the worker

Wear personal, protective equipment

List one duty of the supervisor

Tell workers about any existing potential dangers

List one duty of the owner/employer

Provide education and training on WHMIS

Is it against the law for your employer to punish you if you refuse unsafe work?

Yes

Three things that employers cannot do to workers under OHSA

1. Fire you or threatened to fire you

2. Send you home if there is work available in a safe area

3. Punish you, Suspend you, or threaten to do these things

Who are some workers who Can I refuse unsafe work?

• firefighters

• Police officers

• Nurses

why is that?

If the danger is a normal part of their job or if refusing work would put somebody in danger

If you have any doubts about the safety of the work you’re doing do you think you should keep your doubts to yourself?

No