Employer Responsibilities
As an employee, you have...
- the right to know
- the right to participate
- the right to refuse work
Duties of the Employer are explicitly defined in the OHSA, Sections 25 and 26.
To paraphrase, the employer is required to:
- acquaint workers and supervisors with any hazard associated with the work or workplace;
- take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker;
- appoint a competent supervisor;
- prescribe and provide appropriate safety equipment, materials, and protective devices;
- ensure that the safety equipment, etc., are maintained in good condition;
- ensure that prescribed safety measures are implemented and respected;
- assist the workplace health and safety committee in carrying out their duties;
- provide appropriate training to employees.
This is an extensive undertaking.
Responsibilities are therefore downloaded to supervisors and workers.
*McMaster University's Workplace and Environmental Health and Safety Policy (RMM 100) requires students "to comply with all University health, safety and environmental programs."