A serious workplace injury can be a devastating experience with long term or permanent implications for both the worker and the employer involved. In Australia employers must take out workers compensation insurance to cover the medical expenses and lost wages of employees injured at work. However, a serious accident can mean financial ruin and prevention is better than cure. The first priority of everyone at work should be to make the workplace as safe as it can be for everybody.
Employers have significant obligations and responsibilities regarding Occupational Health & Safety at their workplace but they also have important rights:
| Employers OH&S rights and entitlements at work |
Employers OH&S obligations and responsibilities at work |
|---|---|
Employers have the right to expect that their employees co-operate with them in their efforts to comply with Occupational Health & Safety requirements. (EG. By notifying of potential hazards, reporting all injuries and near miss incidents, wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and following safe work method procedures when requested etc.) Employers have the right to expect that their employees take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and others at work. Employers have the right to expect that employees do not interfere with safety equipment or misuse things provided for the health, safety or welfare of persons at work Employers have the right to expect that Employers have the right to expect that their employees do not disrupt the workplace by unnecessarily creating unfounded fears about Occupational Health and Safety issues at work. Employers have the right to expect that injured workers make all reasonable efforts to return to work with their pre-injury employer, having regard to the nature of the injury. |
Employers have the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to identify, assess and control risks in the workplace and to provide a safe workplace and methods of work that do not pose a risk to their employees, contractors, site visitors or others. Employers have the duty to consult with their employees on Occupational Health & Safety issues. Employers have the obligation to provide all necessary training, safety equipment and to pay the cost of all things done or supplied to achieve Occupational Health & Safety in the workplace. Employers have the obligation to provide appropriate amenities (EG. Toilet and washing facilities) for their employees in the workplace. Employers must take out a current workers compensation insurance policy that covers all their employees and deemed workers under their control. Employers must notify their workers compensation insurer within 48 hours if any of their employees have a work injury involving medical treatment or time lost from work. Employers are obliged to have an effective OH&S policy and Return to Work Program in place. |