RICHMOND, B.C. — A new awareness campaign is being launched by WorkSafeBC to inform newcomers to the province about their rights in the workplace, in particular that they are covered by WorkSafeBC insurance regardless of their immigration status or term of work.
Recent research from the organization reveals workers who have been in Canada for five years or less are significantly less likely to speak up about workplace health and safety and are less aware of their right to file a claim if they’re injured on the job compared to those born in Canada, states a release.
Workers have the right to know about hazards and have the right to participate in health and safety activities. Workers must also be provided with the necessary training, supervision and personal protective equipment to mitigate risks.
Employers are responsible for providing proper orientation, training and supervision to ensure workers understand potential hazards, the release reads. They must also investigate and take immediate corrective action when workers report safety concerns.
“Employers must also ensure that workers understand how to report workplace injuries and illnesses, and they must co-operate with WorkSafeBC prevention officers, joint health and safety committees, and worker safety representatives,” it adds.
“By law, employers are prohibited from penalizing workers for raising a health and safety issue.”
For those who are injured on the job, they must seek medical treatment right away and state the injury happened at work. No matter no matter their immigration status or employment type, workers are covered by WorkSafeBC insurance. This coverage provides compensation and support for recovery. Employers cannot stop workers from filing a claim.
If a worker can’t speak or understand English well enough to go through the claims process WorkSafeBC can provide interpretation services.
This April WorkSafeBC will be sharing online resources as part of its newcomer education campaign.
The following resources are available in multiple languages:
Recent Comments