Home
FUTURE STUDENTS ask.UWindsor SUPPORT UWINDSOR

OHSA Rights and Responsibilities

Internal Responsibility System:

Together, the duties and responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers create an internal responsibility system (IRS).  The IRS is a process to ensure everyone in the workplace has a role in safety.  Every worker who becomes aware of a safety hazard in the workplace has a duty to report it to their supervisor.  Once the hazard has been reported, the supervisor has a duty to investigate and take appropriate corrective action to eliminate the potential hazard.  The reporting a hazard flowchart using the IRS System can be used as a reference tool and explains the process in further detail.

Duties Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

Select each of the collapsible boxes to access further information on the duties Employers, Supervisors and Workers under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Providing a Safe Workplace: Ensuring that equipment, materials, and protective devices are maintained and safe for use.

  • Training and Supervision: Providing proper information, instruction, and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Ensuring that workplace conditions comply with the OHSA and its regulations.
  • Hazard Identification and Control: Conducting workplace assessments to identify hazards and implementing necessary controls.
  • Providing Protective Equipment: Supplying and ensuring the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Health & Safety Policies: Preparing and reviewing health and safety policies annually and developing programs to implement them.
  • ​Workplace Violence & Harassment: Establishing policies and programs to address workplace violence and harassment.

Supervisors act as the link between employers and workers, ensuring that safety measures are followed. Their duties include:

  • Ensuring Compliance: Ensuring that workers comply with OHSA and workplace safety procedures.
  • Worker Training & Guidance: Advising workers on potential hazards and ensuring they use protective equipment.
  • Safe Work Practices: Ensuring that machinery, equipment, and tools are used safely and properly.
  • Correcting Unsafe Acts & Conditions: Taking steps to correct unsafe work conditions and actions.
  • Reporting Hazards & Incidents: Notifying the employer about any workplace hazards or violations.

Workers must take an active role in maintaining their safety and that of their co-workers. Their responsibilities include:

  • Following Safety Procedures: Complying with the OHSA, workplace policies, and supervisor instructions.
  • Proper Use of Equipment: Using protective equipment, tools, and machinery as required and in a safe manner.
  • Reporting Hazards: Informing supervisors or employers about unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or hazards.
  • Avoiding Unsafe Acts: Not engaging in horseplay or any activity that might endanger themselves or others.

Worker Rights Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

Select each of the collapsible boxes to access further key summary information on worker rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Workers have the right to be informed about workplace hazards and unsafe work conditions. Employers must provide proper training and safety information.

Workers can participate in health and safety discussions through the Joint Health and Safety Committee. They can report safety hazards and suggest improvements for safety.

Workers can refuse work they believe is unsafe to themselves or others. Supervisors must investigate, and workers cannot be penalized for exercising this right. Worker Refusal process.  

For further information on the Work Refusal Process and Training click here.

Workers cannot be fired, disciplined, or penalized for reporting safety concerns, refusing unsafe work, or exercising their rights under the OHSA.

Additional Resources (Video):

1. Duties & Responsibilities of Workers, Supervisors - WSPS

Resources: