Every Australian worker has the right to a safe workplace. The law requires all employers to create a safe working environment to minimise injury and illness in the workplace.
However Australian Bureau of Statistics show that during 2013 to 2014, over half a million people suffered a work-related injury or illness.
Some occupations are more dangerous than others but culturally and linguistically diverse workers are a high risk group. Here are the top 5 facts about maintaining your safety at work.
1. What your boss must do
Must show you how to do your job safely, make sure there is someone to watch out for you, not ask you to do anything that needs a special licence, like drive a car, a crane or a forklift if you don’t have the right licence, have the right tools and equipment for you to do your job safely, give you safety equipment if you need it to do your job.
2. What you must do to keep yourself safe at work
Forklift driver Source: AAP
You must look after your own health and safety at work, including being fit and well enough to do your job. You cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or use alcohol or illegal drugs while at work or do anything that would hurt yourself or anyone else at work.
3. Your right to fair pay and conditions
Safety working clothes Source: Pixabay/Public Domain
In Australia, there are minimum wages and working conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman helps employers and workers to understand these rights and responsibilities at work, they can also help you find out what you should be paid.
4. Bullying at work
Source: Public Domain
If you are bullied, talk to your boss or to another worker and tell them you want it to stop. If it doesn’t stop you can talk to someone in the government in the state or territory where you are working. You can also talk to the Fair Work Commission or call 1300 799 675.
5. What to do if you get hurt or injured at work
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Source: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire (aap)
Get first aid or see a doctor or nurse straight away. You have the right to choose the doctor you see. You can ask the doctor for a medical certificate and you can show this certificate to your boss. Tell your boss that you have been hurt and fill in an incident report.
If you suspect you are exploited or feel unsafe or bullied at work, you can make confidential enquiries to the Fair Work Ombudsman or workplace safety regulators in your state.
Serious Physician with Nurses Source: MOODBOARD-AAP
If you require language assistance, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
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