Occupational safety
The workplace must be safe and not pose a risk to your health. Ensuring this is the responsibility of the employer and the supervisors. This is provided for in the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
You must always follow your employer’s instructions. For example, you must use the protective equipment ordered by your employer, such as a helmet.
Among others, the following factors may cause a hazard or risk to your health:
- noise, dust, cold, heat, toxins , vibration, radiation and electricity
- dangerous machinery and equipment
- being too busy and working too long continuously
- bacteria, viruses and mould
- poor work posture, too heavy burdens and damaged or unsuitable tools
- threat of violence, inappropriate treatment and sexual harassment.
If you notice a risk at your workplace, immediately notify your supervisor or occupational safety and health representative. If a task is very dangerous and it puts your life or health at immediate risk, you have the right to refrain from doing it until it is made safe.
The employer must ensure that nothing at the workplace causes an accident or illness.
Employers also have an obligation to insure you against accidents and occupational diseases. Insurance covers injuries suffered at the workplace or during your commute, for example.