The right to a safe workplace from day 1
Published on: June 18, 2025
In April, WorkSafeBC launched an awareness campaign to let newcomers to B.C. know that all workers have the right to a safe workplace — from day one on the job. This includes the right to know about hazards at work, to participate in workplace health and safety activities, and to refuse unsafe work.
By Michael Laycock
The Start safe, stay safe — from day one campaign also lets newcomers know that all workers are covered by WorkSafeBC insurance regardless of their immigration status or term of work.
Learning first-hand the importance of workplace rights
The campaign’s messages resonate with Rowzeveld (Andy) Takaya, who came to B.C. from Indonesia as a temporary foreign worker in 2023. He was later injured at his job as a motel supervisor and was off work for about six months. Takaya says he was not made aware of his rights in that workplace.
“I lifted a lot of heavy things like boxes of tiles,” Takaya says. “Like 70 or 80 boxes in a couple of hours.”
As a result, he developed a painful condition called trigger finger. He has trouble extending his middle finger on either hand, which makes tasks like signing documents or driving difficult.
But it could have been worse, as he says he was often asked to do risky construction work with no safety training — work that went well beyond the scope of his job.
“Now, when I remember those days, I feel so fortunate that nothing really bad happened to me,” says Takaya, who is featured in a YouTube video as part of the campaign.
Facing new challenges raises the stakes for workers
Takaya’s story is a familiar one to Wendy Sieben, an industry and program specialist with WorkSafeBC. She says research shows that workers who have been in Canada for less than five years are not as likely to speak up about workplace health and safety and are not as aware of their right to file a claim if they’re injured on the job compared to those born in Canada.
Part of this may be due to language and cultural barriers newcomers face here, Sieben says. These barriers can make using public transportation, getting a driver’s licence, opening a bank account, and other basics of life challenging.
“All of these challenges can create anxiety and distractions for workers,” Sieben says. “As a result, they can be at higher risk of injury on the job.”
In some countries, workers may have good reasons not to trust employers and government agencies, she adds. So, speaking up for safety at work may feel risky to newcomers, especially if doing so could affect their work status.
Standing up for health and safety as employers and workers
But employers need to follow through on their responsibility to ensure a healthy and safe workplace for all workers, says Aimee Baker, a prevention officer with WorkSafeBC.
“The biggest problem is that these workers are being told to do work that they’re not trained in,” Baker says. “They’re not given the training or education on how to do the job properly, and they’re not given safety equipment, supervision, and support. And that’s when they end up being hurt.”
Sieben urges newcomers to speak up if they have safety concerns or are injured at work.
“Talk to your employer about it, or your worker rep or safety committee, if you have one,” she says. “Or call WorkSafeBC, and we will help in whatever way we can.”
Baker echoes that message.
“As WorkSafeBC officers, we don’t look at work permits,” she says. “We look at, ’You’re a human. You’re a worker. You’re in B.C. You’re covered.’ If you’re undocumented on a worksite, you can talk with us. We’re here to help, and we can connect you with programs and services. We’re the good guys.”
Sharing important advice for workers new to Canada
Today, Takaya is a building manager at a local Indonesian church. He says life is better now, and his current employers gave him safety training and treat him well.
“Everyone appreciates my time,” he says. “For example, at the end of my shift they literally tell me to go home. ‘You’re finished!’” he says with his infectious laugh.
It’s a refreshing change for someone who used to have to do dangerous work at a frantic pace until late at night and on weekends.
Takaya offers some advice for other newcomers.
“First, do your homework,” he says. “Visit worksafebc.com to brush up on workplace safety and get to know your rights. That’s for sure. And second, coming from my deepest heart, don’t be afraid to speak out” if you have health and safety concerns on the job.
For more information
Workers can call WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line anonymously at 1.888.621.7233 and speak with a prevention officer. Interpreters are available.
The following resources from worksafebc.com are available in multiple languages:
This information originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of WorkSafe Magazine. To read more or to subscribe, visit WorkSafe Magazine.