History and Evolution of Workplace Safety and Labor Rights
The Statute of Labourers (1351)
- 50% of England’s population was wiped out.
- The upper class required more essential work from the poor.
- The Statute of Labourers was introduced to force men, women, and children who did not own land—or were not recognized as crafters, traders, or merchants—to work.
- The upper class utilized guilt trips against the lower class, refusing to perform the labor themselves.
19th Century Labor Protests
During the latter half of the 19th century in Canada, workers protested unsafe working conditions. They sought compensation for work injuries through the courts and staged walkouts and rallies to demand government intervention.
Health and Safety: The Internal Responsibility System (IRS)
Created in the 1970s, the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) posits that workers and employers share an interest in safety, dividing responsibility between employers, workers, and the state.
- Employer Obligations: Full oversight of the workplace and its hazards.
- Worker Obligations: Compliance with safety rules set by the employer.
The Three Fundamental Worker Rights
- Right to know: Provides information on potential hazards.
- Right to participate: Allows workers to be involved in addressing and fixing hazards.
- Right to refuse: Allows workers to decline work they feel is unsafe or for which they are not trained.
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)
Comprised of 50% workers, the JHSC is empowered to investigate workplace incidents.
Neoliberalism and the Decline of Unions (1970s–1980s)
Neoliberal policies prioritized employers, weakened unions, and put workers at a disadvantage, leading to precarious work, lower wages, and fewer benefits. As industrialization declined, jobs were replaced by roles that did not require unions, disproportionately affecting men and young workers.
Case Study: Lewis Wheelan (2001)
Lewis Wheelan, a contractor for Neat Site hired by Great Lakes Power, suffered catastrophic injuries after a broken electrical line fell on him. Despite rehabilitation, he died following a power outage that disabled the cooling system required for his medical condition. Both companies pleaded guilty to OHS violations, resulting in fines and probation for supervisors.
Workplace Injury and Reporting (2020s)
There is a significant lack of reporting regarding workplace injuries, exacerbated by reduced government inspections and the removal of penalties. While 11,000 Canadian workers die annually, reports remain scarce. Work-related diseases, including cancer (29%) and circulatory problems (35%), contribute to 3 million annual deaths globally.
The Pandemic and the Essential Worker
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 67.5% of workers were categorized as “essential.” Women, people of color, and new immigrants were often coerced into continuing work in high-risk environments. The government’s definition of “essential” often contradicted societal needs, prioritizing capitalist value over human survival.
Systemic Inequality in the Workforce
Ford: Race, Gender, and Immigration
Language barriers and fear of deportation prevent workers in precarious industries, such as nail salons, from reporting unsafe conditions. These roles often impact reproductive health and trap workers in cycles of economic pressure.
St. Amant: Toxic Masculinity and Risk
Neoliberalism encourages workers to blame themselves for injuries. Toxic masculinity and the reward of risk-taking behavior push workers to perform through pain and trauma.
Awan: Healthcare Trauma
Healthcare workers face immense burnout and trauma. The system often prioritizes performance over the mental health of staff, with female healthcare workers reporting higher rates of suicide.
Shankar: Intersectionality and Exploitation
Immigrants are frequently coerced into precarious, low-wage work below their skill level due to credential barriers and discrimination, leaving them without rights or union protection.
Pudrovska: Power and Status
Job authority benefits men but often creates challenges for women. Authority is frequently aligned with masculine stereotypes, forcing women to overcome significant boundaries to achieve leadership roles” }