Winter hazards on the coast: know the risks and your rights

Winter work brings real safety risks for ferry workers, both on board vessels and at terminals. Cold rain, wind, ice, rough seas and long dark shifts increase the chance of injury, fatigue and mistakes. Many members work straight through the busiest winter travel season, often under pressure to keep things moving.

Your work matters, and so does safety.

Common winter hazards for ferry and terminal workers

• Ice and slippery surfaces on decks, ramps, stairwells, gangways and vehicle lanes
• Rough seas and strong winds causing vessel movement and strain injuries
• Cold and wet conditions that reduce grip, visibility and reaction time
• Fog, heavy rain and winter storms that limit visibility
• Fatigue from long shifts, short daylight hours and peak-season demand
• Icy docks, terminals, parking areas and access routes

These conditions increase risk for deck crews, engine room staff, terminal attendants, traffic control, customer service and maintenance workers alike.

You have the right to a safe workplace.

Winter conditions do not change your rights. For members with a collective agreement, safety rights and procedures are set out in that agreement.

For members who are still bargaining a first agreement, safety rights are protected under provincial and federal health and safety laws.

In all cases, members have the right to:

• work in safe conditions
• raise safety concerns without fear of reprisal
• refuse unsafe work when there is a genuine safety concern

Busy operations, weather conditions or staffing pressures do not remove an employer’s responsibility to address hazards and reduce risk. Operational pressure, schedules or weather do not override safety obligations. Employers remain responsible for identifying hazards and taking steps to reduce risk.

Speak up and look out for each other.

If you see unsafe conditions, raise them with your supervisor and your shop steward or local president. Report hazards when possible and support coworkers who do the same.

No sailing, schedule or deadline is more important than your health and safety.

Your union will continue to monitor winter conditions and advocate for safe working conditions for all members, on board and at terminals.