What are your responsibilities in the work environment?

WHILE IT IS GOOD TO KNOW THAT YOUR EMPLOYER HAS RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING THE WORKPLACE AND EMPLOYEES. IT DOES NOT STOP THERE WHAT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO KNOW IS THAT AN AN EMPLOYEE – YOU HAVE A DUTY OF CARE RESPONSIBILITY (DEFINITION) FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT THE WORKPLACE. WHEN WE TALK OF DUTY OF CARE WE TALK OF THE LEGAL OBLIGATION OR RESPONSIBILITY ON COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHEN PERFORMING ACTS OR OMMISSIONS (THAT IS FAILURES TO ACT)THAT COULD FORSEEABLY HARM OTHERS.

As a health and safety officer it is important to understand and respect that the systems that companies have in place and to see where you can improve on those systems.  If you have a good understanding of the level of risk, you are in a good position to help the employees understand and respect the importance of Section 14 of the occupational HEalth and SAfety ACt & Section 14 which is the Employees responsibilities.

Download the OHS act from the course content for the copy of the OHS Act or from the web, and, familiarise yourself with section 14 of the Occupational Health and SAfety act which is the General Duties of Employees. Remember as a SAfety Officer that you ensure you always have an updated copy of the OHS Act available should you need it.

section 8 of the occupational health and safety act places the onus on employers to provide and maintain a working envirioment that is safe and without risk to the health of their employees

among your most important responsibilities as an employee we have the following:

• to take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of your colleagues
• if possible avoid wearing jewellery or loose clothing if operating machinery
• if you have long hair or wear a headscarf, make sure it’s tucked out of the way (it could get caught in machinery)
• to take reasonable care not to put other people – that is your colleagues or members of the public – at risk either by what you do or your failure to do or comply with instructions  in the course of your work
• to co-operate with your employer, making sure you get proper training and you understand and follow the company’s health and safety policies
• not to interfere with or misuse anything that’s been provided for your health, safety or welfare
• to report any injuries, strains or illnesses you suffer as a result of doing your job (your employer may need to change the way you work)
• to tell your employer if something happens that might affect your ability to work (eg becoming pregnant or suffering an injury) – your employer has a legal responsibility for your health and safety, they may need to move you while they find a solution to the problem.
• if you drive or operate machinery, to tell your employer if you take medication that makes you drowsy – they should temporarily move you to another job if they have one for you to do.