RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Name one of the three basic worker rights under Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
The right to know,
The right to participate
The right to refuse unsafe work.
What document is used to identify site-specific hazards before starting work?
Task Hazard Assessment
What is the first priority after an incident occurs?
Ensure the scene is safe and provide medical attention if required.
What is the goal of light or modified work offered by the employer?
To support recovery while keeping workers safely engaged at work.
Are employers Required to provide a safe workplace under OHS Legislation?
Yes.
Legislation states: Employers must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers at the worksite.
This is the reason for a company having policies and procedures in place.
Whose responsibility is it to report hazards and unsafe conditions in the workplace?
Everyone - workers, supervisors, and employers all share responsibility.
Name one example of an administrative control.
THA
Policies and Procedures,
Training,
Signage,
Scheduling, or
Safe Work Permits.
What types of incidents must be reported—even if no one is injured?
Near misses, property damage, and unsafe conditions.
Can modified work include duties outside a worker’s regular job?
Yes, if the duties are safe and within the worker’s capabilities.
Who must ensure workers are competent to perform their tasks safely?
The employer and supervisors.
They are responsible for ensuring workers are trained, instructed, and supervised to perform work safely.
What is a worker required to do if they are unsure how to perform a task safely?
Stop and ask for clarification, training, or supervision before proceeding.
When must a hazard assessment be updated?
Formal Hazard Assessments: (JHA)
When there are significant changes to the job, process, equipment, materials, legislation, or after an incident that indicates existing controls may be inadequate.
Site-Specific: (THA)
Whenever site conditions change — such as weather, ground conditions, personnel, equipment movement, scope of work, or new hazards identified during the task.
Why are near misses important to report?
They identify hazards before someone gets hurt.
Who determines suitable modified duties at the workplace?
The employer, based on job demands, worker capabilities, and safety considerations.
Are workers required to follow safety rules and procedures?
Yes.
Workers must comply with legislation, company policies, and safe work procedures to protect themselves and others.
What is a supervisor required to do if they become aware of a hazard in the workplace?
Take immediate steps to eliminate or control the hazard and ensure workers are informed.
Q:
Your company has a Formal Hazard Assessment (JHA) for loading pipe with a wheel loader. Mid-shift, strong winds begin and ground conditions become icy. The job itself has not changed.
Which hazard assessment must be updated?
The Site-Specific (THA) Hazard Assessment must be updated to address the changing environmental conditions.
Who is responsible for reporting a workplace injury to the employer?
The injured worker must report it as soon as possible.
If a physician’s note restricts certain tasks, but the worker is capable of performing other safe duties, can modified work still be offered?
Yes.
Suitable work can be assigned as long as it does not violate medical restrictions.
What authority do Occupational Health and Safety officers have at a worksite?
They have the authority to inspect worksites, review documents, interview workers, and issue orders to address unsafe conditions.
They also have the authority to shut any worksite down if they need to.
What responsibility do workers have if they notice a hazard that is not being addressed?
Report the hazard to supervision or the employer and follow safe work procedures until it is resolved.
Your company introduces a new attachment for the wheel loader that changes how pipe is handled. The worksite conditions are the same as usual.
Which hazard assessment must be reviewed or updated?
The Formal Hazard Assessment must be reviewed and updated because the equipment and process have changed.
The process changed — not just the environment.
Is reporting an injury optional if the worker “feels fine” and doesn’t need medical care?
No.
All injuries must be reported so they can be properly assessed and documented.
True or False: A physician decides whether modified work exists at the workplace.
False.
The employer determines available work; physicians provide medical restrictions, not job availability.
Physicians and physiotherapist should list what the injured worker is capable of performing (such as sitting, standing for extended periods of time, climbing, lifting limits, pushing, pulling etc.)
What is a fundamental worker responsibility under Occupational Health and Safety legislation?
Workers must take reasonable care to
- protect their own health and safety and
- the health and safety of others who may be affected by their actions.