New Brunswick’s OHS Act requires that everyone in the workplace – both employees and employers – be responsible for their own health and safety and for the health and safety of those around them. When any person doesn’t follow the rules under the Act, WorkSafeNB can intervene.
No matter what your job responsibilities are, as an employee, you have the following three fundamental rights:
Right to know: You have a right to receive the training needed to do the job safely. All employees – new, transferred or experienced – should be made aware of:
If at any time you are unsure about a job task or are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, talk to your supervisor about receiving additional on-the-job training.
Right to participate: You have a right to participate in solving health and safety problems and in identifying and controlling workplace hazards. In workplaces with 20 or more employees, joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) are formed to address health and safety concerns. Find out who your workplace JHSC representatives are and talk to them about questions or concerns related to workplace health or safety.
Right to refuse dangerous work: You have a right to refuse work you believe is dangerous to your health or safety, or to that of others. If you are unsure about your safety at work, take the following steps:*
* In all cases, stay at your workplace until your shift is finished until your shift ends.
An employer is a person who provides direction to one or more employee such as a supervisor, manager or owner. As an employer, you must:
