Specific Objectives
HS1 an understanding of workplace health and safety rules
HS2 the appropriate use of safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors
HS3 an understanding of the need for personal protective equipment, including goggles, gloves,
boots, and aprons
HS4 an understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
HS7 the procedures for reporting accidents
HS8 the procedures for reporting unsafe practices
In Ontario, workplaces are governed by the Occupational Health & Safety Act. Health and safety in Ontario is anchored on the principle of each of us doing our part to keep the workplace free of accidents and illness.
This means that we all have certain rights:
- the right to know about the hazards we may or do come into contact with and are given the knowledge about how to work with them safely
- the right to refuse work that we believe is unsafe and could cause harm to ourselves or others and
- the right to participate in workplace health and safety activities, like the joint health and safety committee.
Along with those rights, come some responsibilities. These include:
- work safely—don’t take risks; you might injure yourself or another worker
- report unsafe conditions—if you see anything that looks unsafe, tell your supervisor or employer right away; don’t wait until someone gets hurt
- wear the right safety equipment for the job—wear your protective gear and equipment; get trained on how to use it properly
- ask your employer first—your employer needs to know your concerns and questions about health and safety issues, and to take the necessary measures to avoid injuries
What to do if you’re injured at work
- If you require first aid, seek it immediately
- Tell your employer or supervisor about your injury
Employers must:
- Arrange and pay for transportation so that the worker can get medical care if required
- Report the injury to the WSIB within three days if it involves:
- Health care treatment
- Time away from work or
- Lost wages
- Pay an injured workers wages for the day of the injury
Here are links to the four most common hazards at work:
Contact with machinery Slips, trips and falls Vehicle accidents Musculoskeletal Disorders