New Brunswick’s OHS Act requires that everyone in the workplace – both employees and employers – be responsible for their own health and safety and for the health and safety of those around them. When any person doesn’t follow the rules under the Act, WorkSafeNB can intervene.
No matter what your job responsibilities are, as an employee, you have the following three fundamental rights:
Right to know: You have a right to receive the training needed to do the job safely. All employees – new, transferred or experienced – should be made aware of:
If at any time you are unsure about a job task or are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, talk to your supervisor about receiving additional on-the-job training.
Right to participate: You have a right to participate in solving health and safety problems and in identifying and controlling workplace hazards. In workplaces with 20 or more employees, joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) are formed to address health and safety concerns. Find out who your workplace JHSC representatives are and talk to them about questions or concerns related to workplace health or safety.
Right to refuse dangerous work: You have a right to refuse work you believe is dangerous to your health or safety, or to that of others. If you are unsure about your safety at work, take the following steps:*
* In all cases, stay at your workplace until your shift is finished until your shift ends.
An employer is a person who provides direction to one or more employee such as a supervisor, manager or owner. As an employer, you must:
An employee is a person in a workplace whose work is directed, whether they are unpaid such as a volunteer or an on-the job learner, or they are a paid worker. As an employee, you must:
The employer must immediately notify WorkSafeNB (1 800 999-9775) if:
There’s been an accidental explosion or exposure to a biological, chemical or physical agent or if there’s a catastrophic event or equipment failure that results, or could have resulted, in an injury;
An injury that includes:
* No one should disturb the scene unless it’s to attend to the injured or dead, to prevent further injuries or to protect property that’s endangered because of the incident.
If an employee misses time from work or must see a health care provider for more than first aid because they are hurt at work, they may choose to apply for workers’ compensation benefits. If an employee is applying for benefits related to hearing loss, they would complete the Application for Benefits - Occupational Hearing Loss.
If you’re hurt at work, reach out to WorkSafeNB within 72 hours, tell your supervisor and a doctor, if you need medical attention.
WorkSafeNB is committed to promoting healthy and safe workplaces for New Brunswick’s workers and employers. While our priority is preventing workplace injuries and occupational disease, we provide rehabilitation services and compensation benefits when workplace injuries do occur.
For more information, contact WorkSafeNB at 1 800 999-9775.
