Occupational Heath and Safety @ Work

As an individual, you want to feel safe and secured and be in safe surroundings.  As a Worker, you are entitled to feel the same and to have a safe workplace.  You are entitled to work safely in the workplace and be given information, training, supervision and to be represented on your Occupational Health and Safety issues raised in the workplace. Please click on the state that you where injured in for information about your State or Territory and limitation periods to claim.

QLD, NSW, VIC, WA, SA, NT, ACT, TAS

It is important that all workers and employers are aware of the dangers in the workplace as Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace is every person’s responability. Whilst it is very important that your employer provides a safe workplace for you, its realistic workers should take care to ensure the health and safety of your work colleagues are not affected by your actions.  This can be done by:

• working in a safe manner and making sure that your workplace is free from hazards
• not recklessly or intentionally interfering with or misusing anything that has been provided to you that will affect the safety and welfare of your workmates or employees.

What is a safe workplace?  What should your employer do to maintain a safe workplace? Your employer should:

1.       Provide a safe working space: To prevent an accident, there should be sufficient space to allow all employees to safely work, any floors should not be obstructed, and they should be maintained walkways, free of any spills to prevent falls.

2.       Provide good lighting: there should be enough lighting to ensure that you are comfortable with your vision and you are not straining your eyes, and also so you can move around easily.  Also the entrance, exit, and emergency exits need to be well lit.  Your employer should also provide sufficient light for non workers, meaning areas that are not often populated.

3.       Limit of noise: You, the worker should not be exposed to noise levels that exceed the level set by the Australian Government.  It is very important to advise your employer if you are.  If you work in a noisy environment then your employer should provide suitable ear protection.

4.       Work environment: You must have adequate air movementand ventilation.  Your employer should make sure that you are given the appropriate clothing requirements if you working in extreme temperatures.

Hazards are very common in the workplace and they can cause injuries with the severity of death.  They can arise from:

• Physical hazards i.e. radiation, faulty equipment, slips, lifting heaving equipment/ goods, trips, burns; and
• Psychological i.e. bullying, harassment, violence, fatigue.

Once workplace hazards have been identified, workplace hazard protocols should be put in place. Employers should be in contact with their workforce to eliminate an injury from arising and to assist accordingly when a workplace injury has arose.

For Occupational Health and Safety Laws advice, you should seek legal advice as this could put you in a position to receive maximum damages in workers compensation.

Disclaimer: Nothing on this website constitutes, or is meant to constitute, advice of any kind. If you require advice in relation to any legal matter you should consult an appropriately qualified lawyer.