Workplace health and safety

Understand how to take care of yourself and others at work. Know your employer’s duties and where to get help and support.

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Your employer’s responsibilities

Your employer must:

  • enforce zero tolerance for bullying and discrimination
  • give constructive feedback and recognition for good work
  • treat you fairly and respectfully
  • provide a health and safety induction when you start and at each new site, including instructions on safety gear and equipment
  • assign an experienced supervisor to teach you safe work practices
  • adjust supervision levels to match your stage in training
  • answer your safety questions and respond to concerns

Your responsibilities

You must take reasonable care of your own health and safety – and take care of others around you.

You must:

  • follow all workplace safety policies and procedures
  • attend health and safety training, and follow all instructions and advice
  • use equipment and personal protective gear provided by your employer
  • report hazards to your employer
  • notify your employer immediately about any incidents or injuries

Get help from WorkSafe Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria is the official regulator for workplace health and safety in Victoria. It enforces safety laws, supports injured workers and makes workplaces safer for everyone.

What WorkSafe does

  • makes sure employers follow safety laws
  • investigates unsafe workplaces and serious incidents
  • provides support and compensation if you get hurt at work
  • provides information to help you understand your rights
  • offers safety and wellbeing information for your industry
  • lets you report problems anonymously

Contact WorkSafe Victoria:

What to do if you are injured at work – both physical and mental injuries

You should report any injury to your manager as soon as possible. You have 30 days from the injury date to report it to your manager. You should do this in writing. Your employer must then notify their WorkSafe agent. The earlier you report it, the earlier you can get treatment and start your recovery.

For more information, including financial supports available, visit WorkSafe Victoria.

Are you a Union member? You may be able to get free help if you are injured at work and your Union is assisted by Union Assist. Find out if your Union is on the list for free help on the Victorian Trades Hall Council’s website.

What to do if workplace bullying happens to you

Visit WorkSafe Victoria for a list of actions you may take if you have experienced bullying at work or left a job because of bullying. WorkSafe Victoria’s health and safety and injury compensation advisory service can provide information on:

  • Bullying and how to prevent it.
  • How to raise the issue of bullying in the workplace.
  • How to initiate a workplace intervention by a WorkSafe inspector, if appropriate.

The Apprentice Employee Assistance Program can also help you with strategies to deal with difficult workplace situations.

Education

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