Unionized workplaces are safer workplaces. Studies prove that – and it’s not hard to understand why.
Workers in a union are better able to refuse unsafe work than those who fear losing their job if they say anything. But it’s more than that. Workers in unionized workplaces take an active role in setting out the conditions of work.
Your union is here to help you stay safe
The Unifor Health, Safety and Environment department is responsible for the content of health and safety training programs at the Unifor Family Education Centre and courses offered in the regions. The department leads campaigns for better laws and enforcement, provides information on workplace hazards, and provides programs to help members identify, eliminate and control hazardous workplace conditions.
See below for events and resources related to workplace health and safety. Further resources are available by contacting @email
Health and Safety Resources
Joint Health & Safety Documents
Materials and Publications
- Mental Health Matters Booklet
- Heat Stress Fact Sheet
- Cold Stress Fact Sheet
- Worker Safety Rep Checklist
- Hazard Exposure Log
- Procedures for Reporting Critical Injuries or Fatalities in the Workplace
- Statement of Principles
- A Guide to Accessing and Appealing Short Term Disability Benefits in Canada
- Repetitive Strain Injury Prevention Fact Sheet
- Job Safety Analysis Worksheet
Annual Events and Recognition
National Day of Mourning - April 28
Each day we benefit from the labour of thousands of essential workers who give large proportions of their lives to provide us with everything that makes up modern life, from power to textile. And every year, hundreds suffer injury or illness because of their working conditions. Some of these workers die on the job.
“Mourn the Dead, Fight for the Living”
The slogan for the Day of Mourning reflects the need to remember those who have lost their lives but also contains a strong reminder of the need to press for improvements in health and safety in our workplaces, ensuring workers are protected from the workplace hazards that lead to preventable, needless deaths, serious injury or illness.
Read the 2025 Day of Mourning Statement which includes memoriam for the Unifor members lost to workplace death this year.
Repetitive Strain Awareness Day - February 28 or 29
Read the Repetitive Strain Injury Prevention Fact Sheet
Injured Workers Day - June 1
Watch for annual listings for events in your region.
Education Programs
- Accident and Incident Investigation
- Climate Change and Our Jobs
- Environment Community
- Introduction to Ergonomics
- Health and Safety (one week course)
- Health and Safety 101
- Health and Safety for Federal workers
- Health and Safety for Provincial workers
- Health and Safety for Women
- Stress - the Workplace Hazard
- Toxic Substances in the Workplace
- Workplace Bullying - an Occupational Hazard
