Health & Safety
Every Teamster has the right to go home safe. We are here to make sure your employer upholds that right — and to stand with you when they don't.
Know Your Rights
Three Fundamental Workplace Rights
Under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act, every worker is protected by three core rights. Your union is here to enforce them.
Right to Know
You have the right to be informed about any hazardous materials or conditions in your workplace. Employers must provide WHMIS training and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all controlled products.
Right to Participate
Workers have the right to participate in identifying and resolving health and safety concerns through Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees (JOHSC) and by raising issues directly with supervisors.
Right to Refuse
You have the legal right to refuse work you believe is dangerous to yourself or others. Your employer cannot discipline you for exercising this right in good faith under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act.
You Cannot Be Disciplined for Refusing Unsafe Work
If you believe your work is dangerous, you have the right to stop and report it. Your employer must investigate and correct the hazard before asking you to return. If you face any retaliation, contact your steward or the union office immediately — we will file a grievance on your behalf.
Step by Step
How to Report a Hazard or Incident
Acting quickly and documenting everything protects you and your coworkers. Follow these steps whenever you encounter an unsafe condition or workplace injury.
Report to Your Supervisor
Immediately report any unsafe condition, near-miss, or injury to your direct supervisor. Document the date, time, and details in writing.
Contact Your Shop Steward
Notify your shop steward as soon as possible. They will help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are protected throughout.
File a Written Report
Complete an incident or hazard report form. Keep a copy for your records. Your steward can assist you in filling this out correctly.
Contact the Union Office
If the issue is not resolved promptly, contact the Teamsters Local 927 office. We can escalate to the JOHSC, WorkSafe NS, or file a grievance on your behalf.
Joint Committees
Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees
Workplaces with 20 or more regularly employed workers are required by law to establish a Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC). These committees are made up of equal numbers of worker and employer representatives.
As a Teamster, you have the right to elect worker representatives to your JOHSC. The committee meets regularly to identify hazards, investigate incidents, and recommend corrective actions to management.
If your workplace does not have a JOHSC and is required to, or if management is not acting on committee recommendations, contact the union office — this may be a violation of the OHS Act.
Regular Workplace Inspections
JOHSC members conduct monthly inspections of the workplace to identify and document hazards before they cause injury.
Incident Investigation
All serious injuries and near-misses must be investigated by the JOHSC. Worker representatives ensure the investigation is thorough and unbiased.
Health & Wellness Programs
Committees can recommend wellness initiatives, ergonomic improvements, and mental health supports as part of a comprehensive workplace safety program.
Further Reading
Resources & Links
WorkSafe Nova Scotia
Report injuries, access prevention resources, and file a claim.
NS Occupational Health & Safety Act
The full text of Nova Scotia's OHS legislation.
Teamsters Canada — Health & Safety
National resources, guides, and training materials.
WHMIS 2015 — Health Canada
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System guidance.
Have a Health & Safety Concern?
Don't wait. Contact your shop steward or call the union office directly. We are here to help you every step of the way.