Health and safety is an essential part of union work. You have a right to a safe workplace, and there are steps you can take if you feel your health and safety is at risk at work.
Your health and safety in the workplace is protected by Nova Scotia’s Health and Safety Act and regulations. If you have concerns about safety in your workplace, please reach out to your shop steward!
If you’ve have experienced an incident related to hazardous working conditions, resulting in a serious injury, or related workplace violence, you can download the HRCE Incident Reporting Form here.
* Please remember that you may also require a Workers’ Compensation Board form if there is any chance you will need to seek medical attention.
You can refuse unsafe work!
The right to refuse unsafe work is one of the three basic health and safety rights achieved by the labour movement, along with the right to know about the hazards in your workplace, and the right to participate in workplace health and safety decisions. Check out Refusing unsafe work: A step by step guide to learn more.
Upcoming Training on Workplace Violence
In our last round of bargaining, school support staff across Nova Scotia won paid training on workplace violence for all school support staff, regardless of job classification. We are waiting the details of when this training will take place, please check back for updates.
Occupational Health and Safety Committee
Local 5047’s OH&S committee is comprised of members of the local who work in schools everyday just like you. The committee works on your behalf to ensure we all have a safe workplace. Please feel free to contact via email using cupe5047ohs@outlook.com to have any OH&S questions answered.