New Worker Orientation

Starting a new job?

Get off to a safe start by following this checklist.

Stay Safe

• Have you had training yet? It’s your employer’s duty to keep you safe. Make sure you know about and are trained on all hazards in the workplace.
• Training moving too fast? Ask your supervisor to slow down and repeat.
• Do you have your PPE? Make sure you have all the personal protective equipment you need.
• Know what to do in an emergency? Ask your supervisor what to do if there’s a fire, power failure or any other emergency.
• Know who to reach out to? Your supervisor should let you know who you can connect with for health and safety matters.

Did you know? A new job means more risk.

New workers are more vulnerable to workplace injury or illness, many of which happen in the first month on the job.

Stay healthy

Working during the pandemic? Here are a few tips to keep yourself and others healthy.

• Are you feeling okay? Screen yourself for COVID-19 symptoms daily.
  Common signs of infection:
  respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
• Do you know your sick policy? Ask your employer what to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are feeling unwell.
• Are you physically distancing? Stay the greatest distance possible (at least 2 metres) apart from others.
• Are you taking precautions? Wear a well constructed, well fitted mask, wash or sanitize hands often, and disinfect items that you share or are touched by others.

On-the-job reminders

• If you spot it, say it. Have you spotted something that’s unsafe? Report it to your supervisor.
• If you’re not okay, it’s not okay. If you feel you’re being harassed or unsafe, it’s your right to report it. Talk to your supervisor, a human resources representative, or a member of your health and safety committee.
• Your mental health matters. Know who to talk to if you're feeling stressed, bullied, or overwhelmed.

Do you know what workplace harassment looks like? It’s any time that a worker is abused, threatened, intimidated, or assaulted – and it isn’t always physical. It could be inappropriate texts from a boss or team member, a coworker making offensive jokes, or being bullied by a customer.

Know your rights

All workers in Canada have three basic rights

1. The Right to Know about hazards on the job and how to protect yourself.
2. The Right to Participate in health and safety activities, including reporting unsafe practices.
3. The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work that poses harm to yourself or co-workers.