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.

A worker wearing a hard hat and a welding mask lifted off his face staring directly at the camera.

This helps to prevent things from getting unsafe or unhealthy in the first place, which benefits everyone. With a union, you’ll have a chance to raise health and safety concerns before anyone gets hurt. Because sometimes it’s not just the work that’s unsafe – sometimes, speaking out isn’t safe, either. And a union can address both kinds of safety.

 

Updated Mental Health Matters Resource

Your mental health matters. Together, we can help each other through our struggles and connect workers and their families to the supports they need. Download the updated Mental Health Matters booklet.

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

JHSC Meeting Minute Form - Fillable PDF
JHSC Meeting Minute Form - Printer Friendly

Health & Safety Recommendation Form - Fillable PDF
Health & Safety Recommendation Form - Printer Friendly

April 28 National Day of Mourning
Day of mournng yellow ribbon and lit candles

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 2024 Day of Mourning Statement which includes memoriam for the Unifor members lost to workplace death this year.

The Unifor shield and the words "Bud Jimmerfield Award" on a black background.
A stylised image of a woman holding her wrist. The wrist is highlighted in a faint red glow. Text reads "Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness"
The letters B S in a red circle with a red line across them and text reading "No Behaviour Based Safety" with the Unifor logo at the bottom

 

Education Programs
Materials and Publications

Fact sheets on additional topics are available by contacting @email