A worker is a person who carries out work in any capacity for a business or employer or ‘person conducting a business undertaking’. They can be:
While at work a worker must:
Workers can also be considered visitors under some circumstances.
As a worker, you must take reasonable care of yourself and not do anything that would affect the health and safety of others at work.
You must follow any reasonable health and safety instructions from your employer. It is important that you:
Remember, health and safety representatives (HSRs) play an important role in representing the health and safety issues of a work group and can talk to your employer on your behalf.
If you work through a group training organisation or labour hire agency, you can report any work health and safety concerns to either your supervisor, the HSR or your agency.
When you start a job, you should be:
This is called a workplace induction.
You must be given safety equipment appropriate to your job. Your PPE must be in good condition, and you need to know how to use it and to wear it properly.
If you are not sure how to do something safely, ask your supervisor for help or training. If still unsure, talk to your co-workers, manager or health and safety representative (HSR). Remember, health is both physical and psychological.
If you’re not satisfied with their response, contact us on 13 10 50. If necessary, we can get a translator to help you.
You have the right to refuse to do unsafe work. If asked to do something that you think may be unsafe, stop and talk to your supervisor or HSR.
If you are unable to raise it with your supervisor or HSR or your employer doesn’t find a safer way to do the work, contact us on 13 10 50. If necessary, we can get a translator to help you.
Consultation gives you the opportunity to participate in, and share information about, work health and safety issues.
Your employer (PCBU) must consult with workers on all WHS matters that are likely to affect you, including:
Using the knowledge and experience of everyone makes it easier to identify safety hazards and risks, as well as find and discuss practical solutions.
Your employer must have workers compensation insurance so if you get injured at work you can get the medical treatment you need and compensation for loss of income.
If you get injured at work you may be able to make a workers compensation claim. You can make a claim through your employer. Ask your boss for the forms needed to apply for it. Find out how to make a claim or call us on 13 10 50 for advice.
If you are hurt at work, you must notify your employer as soon as possible.
You are generally better off if you recover from your workplace injury or illness at work. People who keep working, even if you can’t do your usual tasks straight away, get better and return to usual activities quicker than people who take a long time off work to recover. The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) has detailed information about recovering at work.
You have the right not to be bullied at work. Bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed at a worker or group of workers. If you’re being bullied, talk to your supervisor, HSR or another impartial person whom you trust.
Or you can contact us on 13 10 50 for advice and assistance.
If you think you’re being bullied because of your gender, sexuality, race or religion, you should:
For mental health support, call:
In NSW, there are minimum wages and working conditions. For information about your rights around things like rates of pay or leave entitlements call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94. Call 13 14 50 if you need a translator.
We provide a your rights at work fact sheet which explains the basic responsibilities of the worker and the employer.