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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. Learn more.

Between 2007 and 2009, 124 workers between the ages of 15 and 24 years died from work-related injuries. Almost 34,000 young workers were hurt badly enough to miss work. The key to protecting new and young workers is to educate them on their rights, and the questions they can ask to stay safe. Download the fact sheet.

Heat stress is a buildup of heat in the body to the point where a worker cannot maintain normal body temperature. When workers can’t cool themselves by sweating, serious heat illnesses can occur. Working in hot temperatures is a health and safety hazard and can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Accident and occupational disease investigations are done to determine the causes of physical injuries and occupational diseases. They are also undertaken to satisfy the legal requirements of health and safety legislation.

What is workplace violence?

Cold is rightly regarded by many workers as a hazard. Lowering of temperatures either outdoors or indoors causes not only general physical discomfort, but a loss of dexterity, energy and alertness. It can also lead to severe physical damage and death.

Noise is one of the most common health and safety hazards in the workplace. Noise is any sound that is unwanted, loud or harsh. Noise-induced hearing loss is a risk for many CUPE members. Hearing loss is gradual and can be hard for members to recognize until it is too late.

Asbestos is a mineral based fibre that has been widely used in building materials due to its resistance to heat and corrosive chemicals. Although there are six different varieties of asbestos minerals, there are three main types: chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite.

Shift work can be hazardous to workers’ health. We can do things to lessen the negative health impacts of shift work without compromising services.