Three Fundamental Rights of Workers

Workers in Ontario have 3 fundamental rights afforded to them under the OHSA:

The Right to Know

  • Workers have the right to know about the hazards they face in their workplace.

  • Workers have the right to obtain information relating to health and safety matters affecting their workplace.

  • Workers have the right to be provided with instruction and supervision to protect their safety in the workplace.

The Right to Participate

  • Workers have the right to participate in the identification of known and potential hazards in their workplace through the JHSC.

  • Workers have the right to make recommendations to the employer to remedy known and potential hazards through the JHSC.

The Right to Refuse

Health and safety information

Road Map to Reporting Workplace Violence

All workers in Ontario have a right to a violence-free workplace. When a violent incident occurs, there are reporting requirements which must be observed. Through accurate reporting, appropriate measured steps can be taken to address violence, leading to a safer workplace for everyone.

To help in determining reporting requirements, the Road Map to Reporting Workplace Violence illustrates the pathways to be followed when documenting a violent incident.