Responding to OHS Matters

As a supervisor, you may receive informal or formal reports from an employee regarding OHS matters, such as hazards, accidents, injuries or near misses.

Under your duties outlined in the Canada Labour Code, you must demonstrate due diligence by taking all reasonable precautions to prevent injuries and incidents and implement corrective measures.

Informal Process

Employees may raise an OHS issue to their supervisor, either in-person, by phone or in writing.

As the supervisor, you should consider several factors:

• Is the issue OHS related?
• Is there an immediate danger to the employee or others?
• Does the issue require immediate action?
• If so, what can you do? Who can assist?
• Do you need to consult with others to explore the issue?
• Can you resolve the issue?
• Who is responsible for the issue?
• Is it related to facilities or maintenance issue?

If you are not sure what to do, ensure your employees are safe from immediate danger and consult your Regional OHS Advisor for assistance.

Formal Process

• Internal Complaint Resolution Process
  Under the Internal Complaint Resolution Process, you have the opportunity to address and correct employee concerns without the need to involve the work place health and safety committee, the health and safety representative or a health and safety officer.

  Consult your Regional OHS Advisor for assistance.

• Refusal to Work
  One of the basic rights for employees is the right to refuse work that they believe presents a danger to themselves or another employee, using the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work.

  Consult your Regional OHS Advisor for assistance.