As Saskatchewan’s economy continues to grow, it’s important for all workers, especially those in heavy construction, to be aware of their rights on the job. WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, is committed to ensuring that every worker knows their right to work in a safe environment.
In Saskatchewan, all workers are protected by three fundamental rights under The Saskatchewan Employment Act that are crucial for maintaining safety on the job.
The right to know
If you are employed in Saskatchewan, you have the right to know about any safety hazards in your workplace. Hazards in construction and trades can range from operating heavy machinery to working at heights. Being informed about these risks is essential to protect yourself and your fellow workers.
You also have the right to receive the necessary training, information and supervision to do your job safely. Before you start a job or begin work on a new project, your employer should ensure you understand how to work safely. Safety information, including training and instructions, can be provided online, in writing or in person. It might come from a supervisor, a co-worker or an external expert, but your employer must cover the cost of all job-related training.
Do not be afraid to speak up if you believe a task is too dangerous. Your safety and the safety of those around you are paramount. You cannot be disciplined or fired for refusing unsafe work.
Clear communication is key. Your employer must give you safety information in a way that you can understand. If any safety instructions are unclear, it is your right to ask questions until you fully understand how to perform your tasks safely. If you are unsure how to do a task safely, do not hesitate to ask for clarification or additional training. This right ensures that you can speak up whenever necessary, especially when you are assigned a new task, tool or material.
The right to participate
As a worker in heavy construction, you have the right to participate in your workplace’s health and safety activities. Your insights and observations can help make your workplace safer for everyone. There are various ways to exercise your right to participate:
- Report any safety concerns that could cause harm to you or your co-workers to your supervisor or manager.
- Offer suggestions to your supervisor or occupational health committee on how to improve workplace safety.
- Join your workplace’s occupational health committee (if one is required).
- Volunteer as an occupational health and safety representative if the opportunity arises.
The right to refuse
Construction sites and other trade workplaces inherently have hazards, but when a situation presents an unusually dangerous risk, you have the right to refuse to perform the work. An unusual danger could be something like:
- Operating a crane or heavy equipment that hasn’t been properly maintained.
- Working at heights without the necessary fall protection.
- Undertaking a task for which you have not received proper training or where you do not have the correct equipment to do it safely.
This right allows you to refuse work that you believe is unusually dangerous to yourself or others. It is a protection enshrined in The Saskatchewan Employment Act, meaning you cannot be fired or penalized for exercising it. The right to refuse should be used when the other two rights – knowing and participating – have not addressed a safety issue. It is a serious step, but it is there to protect you and your colleagues when other measures have failed.
Clear communication is key. Your employer must give you safety information in a way that you can understand. If any safety instructions are unclear, it is your right to ask questions until you fully understand how to perform your tasks safely.
Do not be afraid to speak up if you believe a task is too dangerous. Your safety and the safety of those around you are paramount. You cannot be disciplined or fired for refusing unsafe work. If you decide to refuse unsafe work, follow these steps:
- Stop the task and inform your supervisor about what you believe to be the unusually dangerous condition.
- If you and your supervisor cannot resolve the issue, consult with your workplace’s occupational health committee.
- If the issue remains unresolved, contact the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety’s Occupational Health and Safety Division at 1-800-567-7233. An occupational health officer will review the situation and provide a written decision.
- If you disagree with the occupational health officer’s decision, you have the right to appeal.
Each year, more than 21,000 workers in Saskatchewan are injured on the job. WorkSafe Saskatchewan is focused on ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all workers in the province, with the goal of working together to make Saskatchewan the safest place to work in Canada.
For more information on your three rights, including videos and other resources, visit WorkSafe Saskatchewan at worksafesask.ca/know-your-rights-at-work. You can also reach out via email at worksafeinquiry@wcbsask.com.
