In Victoria, Australia, you have the right to a healthy and safe workplace. As far as is reasonably practicable, your employer must protect you from harm (including psychological harm) which essentially means they must do what a reasonable person would do to protect the health and safety of employees.
If they don't, they face the full impact of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 which has a clear objective of preventing illness at work and saving lives.
And it's not just employees. Employers are required to extend their obligations (those that apply to matters your employer can or should control) to independent contractors and their employees, and the employees of labour hire firms that may be working inside your workplace.
Here are some of the things your employer must do:
Ensure that machinery and equipment and the systems of work (such as the way work is performed, training and procedures) are safe and do not create adverse health impacts.
Put in place arrangements that protect you from harm or risk associated with equipment or exposure to substances (such as dust)
Maintain a safe condition in the workplace (which includes such elements as controlling noise and ensuring clear passageways and exits)
Provide adequate and appropriate facilities (such as hygienic bathrooms, meal areas and so on)
Provide training and information so you can work safely.
Monitor the health of employees and the conditions of the workplace.
Provide information about health and safety in languages other than English if required.
Keep health and safety records of employees.
Employ or contract someone who is qualified in OHS to advise on employees' health and safety.
Check out our handy safety tips and news items on our website www.absolutesafety.com.au for more info.
Chris Mason is Director, and Sales and Marketing Manager, for Absolute Safety, a well-respected safety equipment and protective clothing retailer in Melbourne, Australia. To find out what you need for workplace safety, talk to Chris on (03) 9543 7888.
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