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
- 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.