Both employers and employees have particular responsibilities for looking after safety and health in the workplace. This is known as duty of care. You need to be familiar with those responsibilities as outlined in your State Government's Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Most government authorities provide easy to understand publications explaining the legislation. For example, in Western Australia, WorkSafe Western Australia produces a booklet called "Making the Workplace Safe" and online information such as Essentials: Toolbox Topics, Improving Safety and Health.

Here's an excerpt from "Improving Safety and Health" that briefly outlines the responsibilities for:

employers employees people in control of workplaces manufacturers, importers, suppliers, designers

Make sure you check to find out the current occupational health and safety legislation in your State Government or Territory and how it applies to you. You should also find out more about Federal legislation as well as how other countries deal with occupational health and safety issues. Access to this information is available in the weblinks in the bookcase.

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Duties of employers

provide and maintain workplaces, plant and systems of work that do not expose employees to hazards provide information, instruction, training and supervision so that employees are not exposed to hazards while they are working consult and co-operate with employees and health and safety representatives on health and safety matters provide adequate personal protective clothing and equipment where it is not practicable to avoid the presence of hazards make arrangements for the safe use, cleaning, maintenance, transportation and disposal of substances, machinery and equipment used in the workplace.

Disclaimer: Reproduced with permission of WorkSafe Western Australia

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Duties of employees

take care to protect their own safety and health and that of others co-operate with their employer on safety and health matters report to the employer any situation at the workplace that could be a hazard, and that they cannot correct themselves follow safety instructions and training provided use and look after the protective equipment provided.

Disclaimer: Reproduced with permission of WorkSafe Western Australia

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Duties of people in control of workplaces

• provide a safe workplace so anyone can safely enter or leave it.

Disclaimer: Reproduced with permission of WorkSafe Western Australia

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Duties of manufacturers, importers, suppliers, designers, etc

• design and make machinery and equipment so that people using it as directed are not exposed to hazards

• provide information on how to use the machinery and equipment safely.

Disclaimer: Reproduced with permission of WorkSafe Western Australia

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