Worker safety is an employer’s duty
Ferry workers face threats, abuse and assault while doing their jobs. They deserve protection, and employers have a legal duty to provide it.
On October 4, our members at Hullo’s Nanaimo terminal were threatened by a woman with a knife, a stark reminder of the risks ferry workers face on the job.
The reported assault that seriously injured a Save-On-Foods manager in Victoria is another reminder of the risks workers face.
B.C.’s workplace safety rules require employers to assess the risk of violence. Where a risk exists, they must put measures in place to eliminate or minimize it and train workers in how to stay safe.
For ferry workers, that means prevention measures that work on ships and at terminals, a clear way to get help and action when threats are reported. Workers also need support after an incident, including care for psychological injuries.
Passengers’ frustration over delays or sailing waits never excuses abuse. Workers shouldn’t have to wait for a serious injury before their safety becomes a priority.
Members have also raised concerns about being asked to clean up suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia. Before assigning this work, employers must assess the hazards and ensure workers have the training, safe procedures and protective equipment needed to do it safely.
If you disagree with a work assignment, the general approach is to comply and raise it with your shop steward afterward. Safety concerns are different.
If you have reasonable cause to believe a task presents an undue hazard, you have the right to refuse unsafe work. Tell your supervisor immediately and follow the unsafe-work refusal process. Your shop steward or safety representative can help. You cannot legally be punished for raising a safety concern or properly exercising this right.
Threatened or unsafe at work? Report it to your supervisor and contact your shop steward or safety representative for support.
To our members in Nanaimo who faced this frightening incident: we’re here for you. Your safety matters and you deserve support after what happened.
