Workplace Safety: Worker Rights: Do you know what your rights are?
We go over them in the safety meetings, when you are reviewing the safety manual and other safety related items…
But do you truly know your rights and do you exercise them?
The 4 R’s of Safety are:
- Right to know
- Right to participate
- Right to refuse
- Right to protection from reprisal
Let’s elaborate on these a little bit:
- Right to know – about hazards in the workplace / jobsite and trained to recognize these hazards, while also trained to protect yourself and others from these certain hazards
- Right to participate – in workplace safety and health activities, and in contributing to the health and safety program
- Right to refuse – work you believe to be unsafe, dangerous or risky
- Right to protection from reprisal – from being disciplined or being fired for raising health and safety concerns
This site breaks it down a bit more…
Here is a handy small little reference guide or handbook that takes it one step further in explanation…
https://novascotia.ca/lae/healthandsafety/docs/YourRightsandResp-en.pdf
So now that we are on the same page of what the 4 R’s mean with full explanation, here is the ultimate question:
When faced with a situation, do you exercise your rights – do you feel you have the confidence to refuse dangerous work?
If you feel uneasy about a situation, it is much better to have the discussion – first with yourself and then with your supervisor – do not be intimidated by that – this is your life – no one else is going to protect it but you … and if not you … who?
You should never feel intimidated by asking questions, coming up with a better solution for the work to be accomplished – it’s a learning curve. Just because someone else was willing to do it before you, doesn’t make it ok for you … and you are the only one who can judge that!
Your health, well-being, and safety is a priority for you and your family.
Also, for those of you out there – when someone refuses to do something based on the safety aspect – support them, give some understanding and help be part of the solution by coming up with a safer way – don’t think you’re the hero by putting your hand up because you’re willing to do the unsafe thing. That doesn’t make you a hero… think about it…
Questions to Ponder:
Does it look unsafe?
Does it feel unsafe?
Is there a better, safer way?
What are the risks – do a quick risk analysis or hazard analysis and see what you can eliminate, change or make better before completing the task.
If someone around you has used their right to refuse, look at it from their perspective and be supportive instead of judgmental. Yes, the job needs to be done, but what is a better way to accomplish it that will get everyone safely home at the end of the day…
Watch this short video about Charlie Morecraft – it isn’t about the right to refuse – it’s about doing something quick in the moment and having lasting repercussions that have affected both him and his family.
It is a video I watch annually and one I have utilized often to get people to think about their habits – it’s 14 minutes out of your life that may change your point of view on the importance of safety. I won’t say I hope you enjoy – because I don’t believe you will, but I will say that I hope you learn something from Charlie – I sure have…
