What do I need to know about the dangers in my workplace?
You have the right to know about anything dangerous in your workplace. The dangers could include equipment, situations, chemicals, or people.
Your employer must give you the information, training, and supervision you need to do your job safely.
Training could be about:
- company safety rules
- what to do in an emergency
- where to find the kits
- how and when to use safety equipment
- how to use the tools that you need to do your job
- how to keep the equipment you use safe and working properly
Before you do a task at work, you should know how to check all machinery you use to make sure it's running safely and you're protected.
If you work with dangerous materials, like chemicals or biological hazards, your employer must give you training on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Your employer must also follow any specific rules that apply to those dangerous materials under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
WHIMS applies in all of Canada. It has standard rules and ways of dealing with dangerous materials.