Health and Safety at Work

Health and Safety

Your employer has certain obligations under the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act 2005. By law it is your employer’s duty provide and maintain a safe workplace.

These include issues such as safe plant and equipment, protection against exposure to physical agents and noise and vibrations as well protection against improper conduct and behaviour etc.

Who do I report issues to?

The employer is responsible for training and for appointing a competent person as the Health and Safety Officer in the employment. This person should be elected by your colleagues. If there is one in place, then you should address your issues to your local union representative or the company health and safety officer.

What are my responsibilities?

It is your duty to report any defects in the place of work or equipment which might be a danger to health and safety. It is also your duty to take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of yourself and of other people in the workplace.

You cannot be victimised for exercising your rights under safety and health legislation such as making a complaint.