Workers' rights and responsibilities

As a worker in Australia you have rights and responsibilities under workplace health and safety laws.

A worker can be:

• an employee
• a trainee, apprentice or work experience student
• a volunteer
• a contractor or sub-contractor
• an employee of a contractor or sub-contractor
• an employee of a labour hire company.

Your rights

You have the right to a safe and healthy work environment, including:

• safe machinery and structures
• instruction, training and supervision
• any necessary safety equipment
• consultation about safety in the workplace
• workers compensation.

You also have the right to:

• speak up about work conditions
• request election of health and safety representatives
• request the establishment of a health and safety committee
• say no to unsafe work.

Your responsibilities

Workers have legal responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

You must:

• take reasonable care for your health and safety in the workplace
• take reasonable care for the health and safety of others who may be affected by what you do or don’t do
• follow any reasonable health and safety instructions from your employer. For example, use equipment properly, follow safe work policies and procedures and attend training.

It's important that you:

• ask for help if you are not sure how to safely perform your work
• follow instructions and work safely
• report hazards, unsafe situations and injuries to your employer.

Business and employer responsibilities

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, your employer must provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and free of risks to health.

Related links

• Mental health
• Laws and compliance
• Your industry