New Worker Orientation

Starting a new job?

A new job means new risks. New workers are more likely to be injured in their first month at work. Get off to a safe start by following this checklist.

Know your rights

All workers in Canada have three basic rights

1. The right to know about hazards on the job and how to protect yourself.
2. The right to participate in health and safety activities, including reporting unsafe practices.
3. The right to refuse Unsafe Work that poses harm to yourself or co-workers.

Stay Safe

• Have you had training yet? It’s your employer’s duty to keep you safe. Make sure you know about and are trained on all hazards in the workplace.
• Still not sure? Ask your supervisor for help.
• Do you have your PPE? Make sure you have all the personal protective equipment you need.
• Know what to do in an emergency? Ask your supervisor what to do if there’s a fire, power failure or any other emergency.
• Know who to reach out to? Your supervisor should let you know who you can connect with for health and safety matters.

Stay healthy

• Prevent injuries. Follow your training and work safely with equipment, chemicals, and other materials.
• Take frequent short breaks to help prevent injuries. Aim for 5 minutes every 60 minutes if you can.
• Your mental health matters. Know who to talk to if you're feeling stressed, bullied, or overwhelmed.
• Do you know your sick policy? Ask your employer what to do if you are feeling unwell.
• Are you practicing healthy hygiene? Wash or sanitize your hands often and disinfect items that you share or are touched by others to help keep everyone healthy.

On-the-job reminders

• If you spot it, say it. Have you spotted something that’s unsafe? Report it to your supervisor.
• Stay focused on the job. Follow all safe work procedures, including when you can use your personal devices.
• If you’re not okay, it’s not okay. If you feel you’re being harassed or unsafe, it’s your right to report it. Talk to your supervisor, a human resources representative, or a member of your health and safety committee.
• Do you know what workplace harassment looks like? It’s any time that a worker is abused, threatened, intimidated, or assaulted – and it isn’t always physical. It could be inappropriate texts from a boss or team member, a coworker making offensive jokes, or being bullied by a customer.