Workplace health and safety – Know the facts

Who does Part II of the Canada Labour Code cover?

Part II applies to interprovincial and international transportation, banks, telecommunications, broadcasting, shipping and related services, the grain industry, most Crown corporations, the federal public administration and more.

A list of federally regulated businesses and industries can be found at canada.ca/regulated-industries.

Employer responsibilities

• Provide a safe and healthy workplace
• Develop, implement and maintain a hazard prevention program and a workplace harassment and violence prevention policy with the policy committee, the workplace committee or health and safety representative
• Educate employees on potential hazards in the workplace
• Train employees to perform their job safely and ensure required certification
• Correct unsafe actions and conditions
• Ensure protective equipment is available and being used
• Report and investigate all accidents and incidents

Employee responsibilities

• Work in compliance with Part II of the Canada Labour Code and occupational health and safety regulations
• Use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer
• Report workplace hazards and dangers to the supervisor or employer
• Work in a safe manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety equipment
• Tell the supervisor or employer about any missing or defective equipment or protective device that may be dangerous

Employee rights

• Know what hazards are present on the job
• Participate in health and safety activities
• Refusal of unsafe work in which conditions, activities or the use or operation of a machine constitutes a danger to employees

Complaints

If an employee believes there is a hazard or danger or that an accident or injury is likely, the employee must report it to the employer or supervisor.

Complaints can be made to a health and safety officer at the Labour Program only if the internal resolution process has been followed and has not been successful in resolving the matter.

Where to start

Fact sheets, legislative services, courses/e-learning, publications, posters and additional resources about these rights and responsibilities are available in the Legislation Section of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website.

Other tools and resources

Find out more about canada.ca/labour-health-safety-reports:

• Summary of Part II of the Canada Labour Code
• Hazard prevention program guide
• Right to refuse dangerous work
• Internal complaint resolution process
• Health and safety committees or representatives (new fact sheet)
• Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

Learn more about workplace health and safety

Canada.ca/workplace-health-safety or contact the Labour Program
1-800-641-4049 Teletypewriter (TTY) 1-800-926-9105
#HealthAndSafety @Labour_ESDC