IRS PRIMER
3
130-AIX-01-IGDO © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Worker Duties and Rights
Workers have a general duty to take responsibility for personal health and safety.
Section 28 of OHSA includes the following duties:
Work in compliance with the OHSA and regulations
Use any equipment, protective devices or clothing required by the employer
Tell the employer or supervisor about any known missing or defective equipment or protective
device that may cause danger
Report any known workplace hazard or contravention of the OHSA to the employer
or supervisor
Not remove or make ineffective any protective device required by the employer or
by the regulations
Not work in a way that will injure themselves or others
Not engage in any horseplay or fooling around
The OHSA assigns three basic rights to every worker:
1. The right to know. Workers have the right to know about the hazards in their job. An employer
or supervisor must tell them about anything in the job that can hurt them and how to protect
themselves.
2. The right to participate. Everyone has the right to take part in keeping the workplace healthy
and safe. A worker, depending on the size of the company, may become part of the Joint Health
and Safety Committee or be appointed a health and safety representative. Everyone has the right to
participate in training and information sessions to help them do their job safely.
3. The right to refuse unsafe work. If a worker believes their job is likely to endanger someone else
or themselves, they have an obligation to report the unsafe situation to management. If the situation
is not corrected and they feel that their health and safety
is still in danger, they have the right under the OHSA to refuse to perform the work without reprisal.
WSPS.CA
