Health and Safety

All CUPE members have the right to safe and secure work and workplace environment. But too often our members face hazards in the workplace, and it is why Occupational Health and Safety is an essential part of the important work that CUPE 5430 does.

Every CUPE member has rights under Saskatchewan’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Every worker has four fundamental rights to safeguard their health and safety at work:

1. The right to know about hazards that are present in the workplace.
2. The right to participate, through the joint health and safety committee, in the day-to-day detection and elimination of workplace hazards. Every Saskatchewan workplace with 10 or more workers must have an occupational health committee (OHC).

• • At least half of the committee members must represent workers who are not management. Members representing workers need to be elected by the workers they represent or selected by their union. Members representing the employer are designated by the employer.

• • Under The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, a committee is required to record minutes of each meeting and keep minutes on file with the committee; and post a copy of the minutes at a location that is readily accessible to workers at the place of employment until all concerns recorded in the minutes are resolved.

3. The right to refuse work that you believe, on reasonable grounds, is unusually dangerous to you or anyone else in the workplace. An unusual danger can include a danger that’s not normal, a danger that would normally stop work, or a situation in the workplace for which you are not properly trained, equipped, or experienced.

If you are going to refuse unsafe work, your first step is to immediately inform your supervisor. Once you report your concern, the work will be investigated. You may refuse the work until you are convinced that sufficient steps are taken to satisfy you that the work is safe or until the Occupational Health and Safety Committee or an Occupational Health and Safety Officer has investigated and advised otherwise.

4. The right to no reprisal. A worker can not be discriminated against for exercising their rights under The Act.

Your four rights – and your ability to exercise them – are protected under The Saskatchewan Employment Act.