Government safety ads leave out workers’ legal obligation to refuse unsafe work
EDMONTON – The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is criticizing a graphic new government advertising campaign about workplace safety issues because it fails to mention workers’ legal obligation to refuse unsafe work.
“The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires you to refuse work that poses an imminent danger to your health or safety, and it prohibits employers from disciplining you for refusing,” said AUPE Health and Safety Representative Dennis Malayko.
Malayko calls Sections 35 and 36 of the Occupation Health and Safety Act an “employee’s last line of defence” when they’re faced with a dangerous situation at work.
“The intent of the advertisements is good, but they’ve left out one of the most powerful tools workers have to protect themselves,” he said.
“If you don’t feel you’ve been adequately prepared or have the right equipment, you need to know that you have a right to refuse the work without penalty,” said Malayko.
“Refusing unsafe work protects you and everyone else you work with,” he added.
Malayko was the first union representative in Alberta hired to deal exclusively with health and safety issues.
The government advertisements are being displayed in movie theatres throughout the province and can be viewed online at the link provided below.
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For more information contact:
Dennis Malayko, Union Representative, AUPE, 780-930-3362 (office), 780-910-0805 (cellular phone)
Mark Wells, Communications Officer, AUPE, 780-930-3406 (office)