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Know Your Employment Rights

Knowing your rights and responsibilities helps protect you and keeps your employment secure while studying in Ontario. 

 

Check out our guide below to learn your rights and responsibilities when it comes to college, and the available resources to support you along the way.

Employment Rights

Provincial and Federal Employment Legislation Minimum Wage Getting Paid & Overtime Time Off (Sick & Vacation Time) Work Hours Payment for Training Rights to Breaks or Eating Periods Public Holidays Safety in the Workplace Workplace Injuries Accommodation Termination

 

Employment Responsiblities

  • Responsibility to Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

    Health and safety legislation requires employees to use PPE and clothing as directed by the employer. Employees should not remove PPE or clothing unless another suitable replacement is available for use. PPE must be in good repair when being used, and there are often requirements instructing workplaces on how to store or clean the equipment.

    PPE includes respirators, protective clothing (including gloves and footwear) and face and eye protection, which can reduce or prevent contact and the absorption of a designated substance.

    TIP: Your workplace must provide you with adequate PPE; however, they may charge you for it or have you purchase it on your own by providing you with information on where to obtain the PPE. If they do not provide you with adequate PPE, you can refuse work.

  • Responsibility to Inform Superiors about Potential Dangers

    Employees must tell their supervisor or employer about any workplace hazard that may be dangerous to them or another worker. This includes reporting any missing or defective protective devices.

  • Responsibility to Work in a Safe Way

    Employees should not use or operate any equipment or work in a way that may endanger any worker. This includes engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct (e.g., seeing who can pick up the most boxes).

  • Responding & Reporting Workplace Injuries

    In the event of an injury at work, it is the responsibility of employees to tell their employer about any medical treatment they receive as soon as possible and let them know about any additional information they receive about their injury or illness.

    Employers should assist in ensuring employees receive proper treatment from a health professional, reporting and filing necessary documentation, and returning to work when ready.

  • Responsibilities of Supervisors

    Supervisors have additional responsibilities than employees; these are not mentioned here. For more information about supervisor responsibilities, visit Ontario - Duties of Employers and Other Persons .

 

Employment Resources

 

Get Support

Student Success Portal Studentcare Website International Student Immigration Advisors Workers' Action Centre Canada Labour Program Ontario Office of the Worker Advisor (OWA) Ontario Ministry Support Lines Human Rights Legal Support Centre Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) Waterloo Regional Community Legal Service Guelph Wellington Legal Clinic Brant Haldimand Norfolk Community Legal Clinic Halton Community Legal Services Mississauga Community Legal Services North Peel & Dufferin Community Legal Services Find other Legal Clinics in Ontario
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