Safety at Work

Your Rights / Safety at Work

Stay Safe, Know Your Rights

Every worker deserves to go home safe and healthy at the end of each shift.

No matter whether you’re doing short-term work experience or entering a career-building full-time position, every worker has the right to a safe workplace.

Your Right to a Safe Workplace

Your employer must keep you safe. All workers – including casuals, part-timers, work experience students, and even volunteers – have the right to a safe and healthy workplace. Your boss has a legal duty to protect you from hazards and injury.

You’re entitled to important protections. Like proper training and supervision, appropriate safety equipment, the right to speak up about safety concerns without punishment, protection from bullying, harassment and inappropriate workplace behaviours and a workplace free from physical and psychological risks.

Young workers face extra risks. Research shows young and inexperienced workers are more likely to be injured at work because they may not know what’s dangerous, feel too intimidated to speak up, or don’t receive appropriate training. That’s why knowing your rights matters.

Recognising Unsafe Situations

Know what’s not okay. Unsafe work can include:

• Being asked to use dangerous equipment
• Failing to provide appropriate training, instruction and supervision to enable tasks to be done safely
• Being exposed to excessive heat, cold, or other hazardous conditions
• Being pressured to skip breaks
• Lifting heavy objects that could injure you
• Working alone in risky situations

Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, it probably is. You should never be afraid to ask questions like “Is this safe?” or “How do I do this properly?” If you’re unsure about a task, speak up before you start.

You have the right to refuse unsafe work. If you believe work is dangerous, you can stop and talk to your supervisor. You cannot be punished for refusing work that puts you at serious risk.

Bullying and Harassment

Bullying is a safety issue. Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to your health and safety. It can be just as harmful as physical hazards.

Bullying can look like:

• Yelling, intimidation, or aggressive behavior
• Being excluded or ignored by coworkers
• Unreasonable demands or constant criticism
• Being monitored excessively
• Threats about your job
• Humiliating comments or “jokes”

Sexual harassment is never okay. Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate comments about your body or appearance, sharing explicit images, or any behavior of a sexual nature that makes you uncomfortable. You have the right to work free from this treatment.

Discrimination is illegal. You cannot be treated unfairly because of your age, gender, race, religion, sexuality, disability, or any other personal characteristic.

What to Do If Something’s Wrong

Speak up early. The sooner you report a safety issue or bullying, the easier it is to fix. Don’t wait until something serious happens.

Who to tell:

• Your supervisor or manager
• A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) if your workplace has one
• Your union delegate
• Your parents or a trusted adult (especially if you’re doing work experience)
• You can also contact specialist support services like Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Kids Helpline (up to 25 years old).

If you’re injured at work:

• Tell your supervisor immediately
• See a doctor as soon as possible
• Report the injury in writing
• You may be entitled to workers’ compensation to cover medical costs and lost wages

If you’re being bullied or harassed:

• Keep a record of what happened (dates, times, what was said or done)
• Tell someone you trust
• Report it to your supervisor or HR
• Contact your union for support
• You don’t have to deal with this alone

Quick Tips

🛡️ SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS
Never feel pressured to do something unsafe just because you’re new or young. Your safety matters more than getting the job done quickly.

📝 REPORT EVERYTHING
Even near-misses or small injuries should be reported. It helps prevent bigger problems and shows your employer where hazards exist.

🤝 JOIN YOUR UNION
Union workplaces are safer. Evidence shows having union members increases workplace safety awareness. Your union can provide safety advice, support you in meetings with management, and protect you from retaliation for speaking up.