What is NSFW?

Not Safe For Work (NSFW) is usually used as a warning for some, let's say... less than appropriate stuff on the internet. But here, we’re Safe For Work. And we are literally talking about safety at your job.

Why? We want to hear from you—the experts—on how you make your job safe for you and your coworkers.

Maybe you’re starting a new gig or you’ve been there for ages. No matter what stage of the game you’re in, you have something to share. How you ask? Great question! Check out how you can be an influencer and spread the word.

Not sure how to stay safe or what your rights are? We got you. We’ll share quick tips you need to know. Like what your rights are when you’re on the job, how you can keep you and your coworkers safe, and what to do if you see something unsafe.

SFW on TikTok and Instagram


Show us how you stay safe when you’re on the grind! Maybe it’s something simple like opening a box properly… and not using a shiny samurai sword. Or using a ladder to grab something on a high shelf… and not attempting any crazy acrobatics.

Show us what you got – just keep it safe, and make it fun. Even if it’s through interpretive dance. Whatever works for you, no judgement here.

Interested? Download our Creator Guide to learn more.

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Did you know?

Did you know?

Did you know?

Get the facts on workplace safety

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Young workers are 33% to get injured than workers over 25.

Over 50% of all incidents involving young workers occur during their first 6 months on the job.

Young workers are more vulnerable to accidents and less likely to raise safety concerns with their employers.

What are your rights?

It’s important to know your rights at work. You can speak up for yourself and others and help keep everyone safe. Here’s what you need to know:

  • This is an easy one. You have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment and know about any hazards in the workplace.
  • You can say no! We’re not talking about saying no to cleaning the restrooms or mopping the floor just because it’s really gross. But you do have the right to say “no” to work that is not safe without being punished or fired. If it seems unsafe, say no and protect yourself.
  • Make your voice heard. You may not be the boss (yet), but you have the right to help find solutions for workplace health and safety concerns. Your opinion matters and you can really make a difference.

Your Responsibilities

By law, you also have to make sure you’re doing the right thing on the job.

You have the responsibility to

  • Ask questions! Know the safety requirements and avoid taking risks.
  • Report any unsafe conditions right away. Talk to your boss about any safety concerns. This will keep you and the other people you work with safe.
  • Wear the right safety equipment for the job. You wouldn’t skydive without a parachute. So don’t jump into something at work without having right stuff to get the job done safely.

When in doubt, remember these incredibly easy tips:

  • If you don’t know how to do it, don’t do it.
  • If you don’t know how to use it, don’t use it.
  • If you’re ever unsure, ask your manager.

Have questions? Get a second opinion about a specific work safety situation.

Get advice

Tips for talking to your boss

If you have any concerns at work, it’s important to bring them up with your boss. If you’re feeling unsure how to do that, check out some of our tips.

Get the tips

Tips for talking to your boss – and make it slightly less awkward.

It’s not always easy to share your safety concerns with your boss. But it’s an essential part of your job and shows your manager you care about what you do, and the safety of your coworkers. Remember, they were once in your shoes and can probably relate. We hope these tips can help you feel confident to start the conversation – and make it (hopefully) a bit less awkward.

When you’re put on the spot

  • Just say “no.” Tell your boss or supervisor confidently and calmly why what’s being asked of you is unsafe. Trust yourself – you know when something feels a bit off. You have the right to say no without being punished or fired.

When you see something unsafe

  • Write down the issues you want to talk about in advance.

  • Ask your boss when a good time would be to speak with them rather than interrupting out of the blue.

  • Avoid using absolute words, like “always,” “every,” “all the time” and “never.” This will help prevent your boss from reacting defensively.

  • Try to use “I” statements, such as “I’m worried about __” instead of “you” statements like “You haven’t done ___ properly.”

  • Avoid bringing up an issue when you’re feeling emotional. Take a deep breath.

  • Offer solutions. A good boss will be impressed by your work ethic and commitment. Bonus points with the boss can’t hurt.

Spread the word!

Want to share these pro tips with your coworkers? Step one: find an old school printer. Step two: print these out and post them up in common areas so everyone knows their rights. And just like that, you’ve made a difference!

Your Worker Rights

Your Employer's Rights

Your 3 Basic Rights

Thinking of making an ​NSFW TikTok?

NSFW Creator Guide PDF

TikTok 101

About us

Starting a new job isn’t easy. We know. We’ve been there.

From weird hours and oversharing coworkers to sweat-stained uniforms and broken equipment, you’ve got plenty of things to worry about. But your safety definitely shouldn’t be one of them.

That’s where we come in. As the largest health and safety association in Ontario, we get what you’re dealing with. We know that a lack of training and inexperience makes you 33% more likely to get hurt on shift, yet you’re also less likely to raise safety concerns. That’s not OK.

That’s why we want to change all that. With ​SFW, we’re asking young people to show off what it means to work in a safe workplace. While we’re always here to provide training and guidance, we think you know way more than we do about what really happens at your job. And we want to hear from you!

Our workplaces shouldn’t be NSFW – let’s keep that to weird internet stuff. Help us create an SFW future for everyone. Go forth and be awesome.

- Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, Ontario


To learn more, visit wsps.ca Icon