Your role in work health and safety

Safety in the workplace is everyone's responsibility. You must work together with your employer and co-workers to ensure the health and safety of yourself and your co-workers.

What you must do to work safely

As an employee, you are required by law to play your role in working safely. This work health and safety law applies to all workers, whether they have a disability or not. You must act responsibly, take care of yourself and others, and cooperate with your employer on issues of work health and safety. Each industry has its own workplace health and safety requirements. Talk to your employer about what is expected of you in your workplace, and be aware of the workplace health and safety law in your State or Territory (see Safe Work Australia below)

What your employer must provide

Your employer must provide a safe and healthy workplace to protect employees against potential injury or harm. Your employer must also ensure that all employees are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. In the event of a workplace injury, your employer must assist an injured employee to return to work safely.

Safe Work Australia

Safe Work Australia develops national policy for work health and safety and workers’ compensation – helping to improve WHS across Australia. Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws. State and territory governments regulate and enforce the WHS laws in their jurisdiction. Check the Safe Work Australia website for more information on work health and safety, including contact details for state and territory regulators.

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