Worker responsibilities
As a worker you have a legal responsibility to keep yourself safe and not adversely affect the health and safety of others at work. You must also comply with any reasonable health and safety instruction.
Work safely
Look after yourself and others by:
- taking induction and training seriously
- knowing and following the health and safety requirements of your job
- following all reasonable instructions for doing the job
- following workplace procedures
- wearing personal protective equipment as required
- not putting yourself or your workmates at risk
- reporting unsafe and unhealthy situations and injuries to your immediate supervisor, employer or health and safety representative.
Ask if you are not sure
If you are not sure how to do something safely, ask for help or training before you start the task. Some ways you could ask your immediate supervisor for help include:
- 'I'm not sure how this works, could you spare a few minutes to show me again?'
- 'I think I've got the hang of this, but can you watch to make sure I'm doing everything right?'
- 'I'm still a bit uncomfortable with this, so would you mind explaining it/showing me again?'
Report concerns
If you are concerned about your own or your co-workers' health and safety talk to your immediate supervisor, employer and/or health and safety representative straight away.
This might be about:
- slippery floors
- lifting heavy loads
- faulty or unguarded machinery and equipment
- chemicals
- bullying
- client aggression and violence
- fatigue.
Remember that health and safety representatives are there to represent workers on health and safety issues.
If you work through a group training organisation or labour hire agency you should report your concerns to the health and safety representative.
If you are a work experience or structured workplace learning student you should speak to your teacher or trainer about your concerns. you could also speak to an adult you trust, family member, teacher or a more experienced worker.
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