Students Should Know Their Rights, Stay Safe at Summer Jobs

The province is encouraging students workers and those seeking jobs this summer to know their labour and occupational health and safety rights and responsibilities.

"The summer months offer a great opportunity for students to work while school is out," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "However, young people need to make sure they know their rights when it comes to fair and safe workplaces, and to speak up if they have any questions or concerns."

All employees should track their hours and pay stubs, know about minimum wage, overtime, holiday and other entitlements, and be aware of how much notice they need to give or be given when leaving a job.

On job sites, workers should always be aware that they have the right to:

• know and be trained in safe work practices
• participate in health and safety matters directly or through a work-site health and safety committee or representative
• refuse work if they have reasonable cause to believe the work, equipment or environment poses an undue risk of injury

"Making life better for Nova Scotians includes working with our partners and the public to ensure that our workplaces across the province are safe," said Ms. More. "All workplace incidents are preventable and both employers and employees have a shared responsibility to make sure everyone makes it home safe at the end of the day."

Call 1-888-315-0110 for labour standards inquiries and 1-800-952-2687 for occupational health and safety inquiries or visit www.gov.ns.ca/lwd .