Newcomer and Young Worker Safety Rights and Roles
When you start a new job, everything can feel new—new people, new rules, and sometimes a new language. It’s okay to ask for help. This page will help you understand what you need to know to stay safe at work, and how you help to keep others safe.
We all help keep work safe—Internal Responsibility System
Everyone at work—employers, supervisors, and workers—must help keep the workplace safe. In Canada, this is called the Internal Responsibility System (IRS).
Watch this short video to learn how IRS works:
Watch this video with subtitles in:
Your safety rights as a worker
In Nova Scotia, you have the legal right to be safe at work.
You have the right to:
- Know about hazards at work
- Know how to protect yourself and others
- Take part in workplace safety
- Take time off work when you are sick
- Refuse unsafe work
- Work in a place that is safe for you physical and mental health
These rights are part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
What you should expect from your employer
At work you will have someone you report to. They may be called your boss, supervisor, or manager.
They must:
- Explain safety rules in simple, clear language
- Show you how to use equipment safely
- Tell you who to talk to if you have safety concerns
- Give you time off when you are sick
Your safety role and responsibilities
You also have a role in keeping the workplace safe.
You must:
- Do everything you can to protect your health and safety
- Help keep your co-workers safe
- Report unsafe situations to your supervisor
- Use the safety gear and equipment provided
- Follow safety rules and procedures
- Follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
If you get hurt at work
- Take care of yourself right away
- Tell your supervisor as soon as possible
- Get health care if you need it
Your boss may ask you to help explain what happened so the workplace can stop it from happening again.
Learn more and watch a video about what to do if you are hurt at work.
If you are being bullied or harassed
Bullying and harassment can hurt your mental health and cause psychological injury. They are not allowed to happen in the workplace.
What is bullying?
Bullying is repeated behaviour that hurts, scares, or embarrasses someone.
What is harassment?
Harassment is unwanted behaviour or comments that offend or humiliate someone. It can relate to things like race, gender, disability, age, religion, or sexual orientation.
Examples include:
- Verbal aggression
- Insulting names
- Damaging someone’s belongings
- Spreading rumours or gossip
- Trying to make someone fail at their job
- Threats or hurtful comments
- Unwanted sexual comments or behaviour
Report bullying and harassment
Bullying and harassment are safety hazards. You have the right to be safe. You also have a responsibility to report behaviour that harms you or others. If bullying or harassment is happening to you or others, tell someone at work. This could be your supervisor, a safety representative, or a coworker you trust.
Resources
- If you’re injured at work – Learn the steps to take and what should happen if you are hurt at work.
- Keeping Newcomers and Youth Safe – Find safety resources and guidance for employers and supervisors of newcomers and youth in the workplace.
Report Unsafe Work: 1-800-9LABOUR
A phone line you can call any time
You can call 1-800-9LABOUR (1-800-952-2687) if you need safety information or want to report something unsafe at work.
You can also report unsafe things you see in public places if they involve technical equipment, such as:
- Elevators
- Lifts
- Fuel systems
- Cranes
Your call is private, and serious safety problems are handled first.
The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If the unsafe situation is in your own workplace, try to follow your workplace’s safety steps first.
This usually means telling:
- Your supervisor
- Your Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee