Employers and employees both have workplace rights and responsibilities. Although employers are obligated by law to ensure and provide a safe and healthy work environment, including the right to protection from discrimination, the right to privacy and the right to a healthy, safe workplace. As an employee it is your responsibility to make sure you are aware and have an understanding of what your rights and entitlements are and what is expected of you. This is the first stage of any employment relationship.
So what are your rights and responsibilities?
Employees must:
1. Work safely to protect themself and others from injury and follow all WHS instructions, for example:
> wear all personal protective equipment provided.
> follow safe work procedures.
> not interfere with or misuse anything provided by the employer (equipment, signs, etc.) that is
> used to keep the workplace safe.
> not remove or change machine guards.
> not behave in a way that puts themselves or others at risk.
> respond to a reasonable request to provide assistance or first aid to an injured person at work.
2. Report any WHS issues, including hazards, injuries, illnesses and near misses.
Employers must:
1. Properly orientate, train and supervise staff to ensure safe work practices are understood and followed by all employees.
2. Consult with all employees, including YW, about decisions that will affect safety in the workplace.
3. Provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to make sure workers can do their job safely and train workers how to use PPE correctly.
4. Regularly check WHS systems and procedures to make sure that workers are adequately protected from workplace hazards.
5. Provide adequate facilities for the welfare of employees. This covers everything from providing suitable toilet facilities to conducting risk assessments on premises and procedures.
6. Be aware of employers’ legal obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act in their state or territory along with Work Health and Safety Regulations and meet those obligations in full.
