Employees in BC have the right to a safe and healthy workplace. Employers must identify workplace hazards, provide appropriate safety measures and protect workers from dangerous conditions.

If you’re asked to perform unsafe work, you may have the right to refuse. Your employer can’t legally punish you for properly exercising your workplace safety rights.

💡 Your three main safety rights in BC: The right to know about workplace hazards, participate in health and safety activities, and refuse unsafe work without retaliation.

On This Page

What Are Your Occupational Health and Safety Rights in BC?

BC workers have three fundamental workplace safety rights:

  • Right to know: Your employer must inform you about known workplace hazards and provide appropriate safety information and training.
  • Right to participate: You can raise concerns and participate in workplace health and safety activities, including safety committees where applicable.
  • Right to refuse unsafe work: You must not perform work you have reasonable cause to believe creates an undue hazard to yourself or someone else.

These rights are protected under BC’s Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, enforced by WorkSafeBC.

What Are Your Employer’s Workplace Safety Responsibilities?

Employers must take the necessary steps to protect workers from workplace hazards. Depending on the job, this includes:

  • Identifying and correcting unsafe working conditions
  • Providing appropriate safety training and supervision
  • Supplying necessary protective equipment
  • Addressing workplace violence and bullying or harassment
  • Investigating reported safety concerns and incidents

Employees also have responsibilities, including following safety procedures, using protective equipment and reporting hazards.

Can You Refuse Unsafe Work in BC?

Yes. If you have reasonable cause to believe a task creates an undue safety hazard, you must refuse the unsafe work and immediately notify your employer or supervisor.

Your employer must investigate. If the concern isn’t resolved, the process involves a worker representative and, if necessary, a WorkSafeBC officer.

Examples of potential hazards include unsafe machinery, missing protective equipment, dangerous chemical exposure and unsafe working temperatures.

⚠️ Don’t simply walk off the job. Follow BC’s formal unsafe-work refusal procedure to protect your safety and employment rights.

Read our Right to Refuse Unsafe Work in BC guide for the steps to follow.

How Do You Report Unsafe Working Conditions in BC?

If you believe your workplace is unsafe:

  1. Report the hazard. Tell your supervisor or employer what is unsafe.
  2. Keep records. Save relevant emails, messages, photos and details of your concerns.
  3. Contact WorkSafeBC. If the concern isn’t addressed, report it to WorkSafeBC. For a formal unsafe-work refusal, follow the required investigation process.

You can contact WorkSafeBC at 1-888-621-7233.

Can You Be Fired for Reporting Unsafe Work in BC?

Your employer can’t legally retaliate against you for properly exercising your occupational health and safety rights.

Prohibited retaliation can include:

If your employer retaliates, you may be able to file a prohibited-action complaint with WorkSafeBC. Depending on your employment circumstances, you may also have wrongful dismissal or severance rights.

Learn about workplace reprisals in BC.

WorkSafeBC complaints and employment-law claims have different procedures and deadlines. Get advice promptly before choosing how to proceed.

⚠️ Fired after reporting a safety concern? Don’t assume your employer can dismiss you without compensation. Severance pay in BC can be as much as 24 months’ pay. Before signing a release, have your severance package reviewed.

Occupational Health and Safety BC: FAQs

Who Enforces Workplace Safety Laws in BC?

WorkSafeBC enforces occupational health and safety requirements in provincially regulated BC workplaces. Federally regulated workplaces may fall under federal occupational health and safety rules.

Can Your Employer Make You Work in Dangerous Temperatures?

Employers must protect workers from hazardous heat and cold. There isn’t one temperature at which every job automatically becomes unsafe. Learn more about working in extreme heat in BC and working in extreme cold.

Are Bullying and Harassment Workplace Safety Issues?

Yes. BC occupational health and safety rules require employers to address workplace bullying and harassment. Other employment and human rights protections may also apply.

Can You Report Unsafe Work Without Losing Your Job?

Yes. BC law prohibits retaliation against employees who properly exercise protected safety rights. If you’re punished for reporting hazards or refusing unsafe work, you may have legal remedies.

Fired or Disciplined for Raising a Workplace Safety Concern?

The BC employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized employees facing workplace retaliation, discipline and wrongful dismissal.

Before you sign, always check first.

➡️ Get a Consultation or call 1-855-821-5900.

Advice You Need. Compensation You Deserve.

Consult with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We are one of Canada's most experienced and trusted employment, labour and disability law firms. Take advantage of our years of experience and success in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

Get help now