Frequently Asked Questions about Workplace Safety
Q: Why is orientation so important at one’s workplace?
A: Safety and prosperity are linked. Orientation gets everyone off on the same foot, and starts to create a culture where safety is a key value in the company.
Q: Is orientation mandatory for all employers to offer to new workers?
A: At the present time, there is not legislation in Ontario requiring companies to offer orientation. However, it is good business to offer orientation to all new workers.
Q: What happens if I don't get help from a supervisor in a dangerous job?
A: Ask for help from a friend/co-worker or another supervisor or Health and Safety Representative. If you still haven’t received assistance, you have a difficult decision. You may have to leave your position in that company.
Q: Do I really have the right to say no to unsafe work?
A: Yes. You are protected by law.
Q: Who should I contact if I get fired for refusing to do unsafe work?
A: You can contact the Ministry of Labour, the Worplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), your union, H&S rep or HR rep in the company.
Q:Who should I contact if my boss keeps hitting on me?
A: You are working for a boss that does not respect you. Leave the job and contact the Ministry of Labour. You can contact them anonymously.
Q: What happened to the company that David Ellis worked for?
A: The Company was fined $64,000 and one owner was fined $7,500 and given three years to pay it off. The owner was sent to jail for 20 days and served it on weekends. The company was back in business in three days.
Q: Could the Ellis's sue the company if they were found to be negligent?
A: No. Under WSIB coverage there is no fault provision in place that prevents employees from suing their employer in the workplace.
Q: What kind of compensation did the Ellis's get?
A: The Ellis’ received partial funeral payments ($6,500).
Q: How many students in Ontario were reported hurt or injured last year?
A: Approximately 47 000 were reported injured – 13 000 were reported as lost time absences – this does not take into account the number who did not report.
Q: Is the government aware of this problem of high number of injuries to young workers?
A. Yes, the government is aware of this problem and is trying to reduce the number of injuries. But they need our help to ask questions, they need your parent’s help, and businesses help to reduce the number of injuries in the workplace.
Q: Where are most of the reported accidents happening?
A. The majority of reported accidents happen in fast-food services, grocery stores, construction, agriculture transportation and manufacturing.
Q: Is this a problem found only in Canada?
A. No. Statistics show that this is a problem across North America and the world.
Q: What kind of employer should I look for? Is there anyway that I can do research before I go to the interview?
A: Look for companies that offer Orientation and Training. It is difficult to find this information in books or on the Internet. You must ask the questions to your potential employer directly.
Q: Is there any certification or rating program that we can identify a safe workplace before we begin?
A: No. At the present time there is no certification program that is identifiable by the general public in Ontario.
Q: Is there any minimum age limit to start work in construction?
A: Age 14.
Q: If we take a job that pays us under the table, am I covered by WSIB?
A: You are covered by WSIB if the company is covered by WSIB. (You may wish to consider not working for a company that pays its employees “under the table;" if they break laws in one area, whose to say they won't do the same around safety laws?)
Q: How can I help and get involved?
A: Contact MySafeWork and tell them your success stories and let them know about companies that offer orientation and training.
