safety
say what?

If you hurt yourself at work, that's on you.
Being cold is part of the job. Toughen up.
It’s not that hot. Just hurry up!

You want to make a great impression at work – especially when you’re new and don’t have tons of experience. Asking questions about safety is often the last thing on your mind.

But if you hear something at work that doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t. While talking about safety can feel awkward at times, it’s an essential part of your job and shows your manager you care about what you do.

Trust your instincts and raise any concerns with your manager.
Doing so could prevent a severe injury from occurring.


learn more about your rights

did you know?

did you know?

get the facts on workplace safety

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Young workers are 33% to get injured than workers over 25.

Over 50% of all incidents involving young workers occur during their first 6 months on the job.

Young workers are more vulnerable to accidents and less likely to raise safety concerns with their employers.

what are your
rights?

you have the right to

Work in a safe and healthy workplace. Know about any hazardous in the workplace. Say “no” to work that is not safe without being penalized.

you have the responsibility to

Know the safety requirements and avoid taking risks. Report any unsafe conditions right away. Wear the right safety equipment for the job. Talk to your boss about any health and safety concerns.

when in doubt, remember these 3 tips

If you don’t know how to do it, don’t do it. If you don’t know how to use it, don’t use it. If you’re ever unsure, ask your manager.

Have questions?
Get a second opinion about a
specific work safety situation.

need advice?

need advice?

Think you’ve seen something unsafe at work?

If you’re not sure and want a second opinion, you can report it to the Ontario Ministry of Labour for their advice on your specific situation.

make an inquiry

tips for talking to your boss

It’s not always easy to talk about safety with your boss. While it can feel awkward at times, it’s an essential part of your job and shows your manager you care about what you do. The tips below can help ensure it’s a productive conversation.

get the tips

tips for talking to your boss

It’s not always easy to talk about safety with your boss. While it can feel awkward at times, it’s an essential part of your job and shows your manager you care about what you do. The tips below can help ensure it’s a productive conversation.

when you’re put on the spot

  • Just say “no.” Explain confidently and calmly why what’s being asked of you is unsafe. Always trust your instincts. You have the right to say no without being punished or fired.

when you see something unsafe

  • Write down the issues you want to discuss in advance.
  • Ask your boss when a good time would be to speak with them rather than interrupting out of the blue.
  • Avoid using absolute words, like “always,” “every,” “all the time” and “never.” This will help prevent your boss from reacting defensively.
  • Try to use “I” statements, such as “I’m worried about __” instead of “you” statements like “You haven’t done ___ properly.”
  • Avoid bringing up an issue when you’re feeling emotional. Collect your thoughts and composure beforehand.
  • Offer solutions. A good boss will be impressed by your work ethic and commitment.
  • If things don’t go well, then you can always report the situation here.
see more resources

check out our handy resources

Want to keep safety top-of-mind at your workplace? Print these go-to tips out and post them up in common areas for an easy reminder.

Your Worker Rights
Your Worker Rights Poster
Your Employer's Rights
Your Employer's Rights Poster
Your 3 Basic Rights
Your 3 Basic Rights Poster

what we stand for

we’ve got your back

Starting a new job isn’t easy. We know. We’ve been there.

From weird hours and oversharing coworkers to uniform fails and broken equipment, you’ve got plenty of things to worry about. But your safety shouldn’t be one of them.

That’s where we come in. As the largest health and safety association in Ontario, we get what you’re dealing with. We know that a lack of training and inexperience makes you 33% more likely to get hurt on shift, yet you’re also less likely to raise safety concerns. That’s not OK.

That’s why we want our Safety Say What? campaign to help change all that. Designed to give you the workplace safety information you need, it’ll help you recognize unsafe conditions and feel more comfortable discussing them with your boss. So, read up and get back to worrying about the things you should be.

Because looking forward to tomorrow means you need to be safe in your workplace today.

That’s our belief. That’s our purpose.

That’s WSPS.
- Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, Ontario


to learn more visit wsps.ca