Temporary working visa holders are covered by the work health and safety laws providing workers with the same standard of health and safety protection regardless of the where they work or the work they do.

Your rights at work

As a worker in South Australia it’s important you’re aware of your rights.

Induction and training

When you start a job you should be taken through a workplace induction so you know how to perform your work safely. This should include being:

  • shown how to use any equipment that you will be operating
  • trained in how to use equipment safely
  • provided with safety gear and shown how to use and wear it
  • shown the workplace including entry and exit points, amenities and first aid areas
  • told about emergency evacuation procedures
  • introduced to your supervisor, health and safety representative (HSR) and your working team
  • told about the safety policies and procedures in place, including details about reporting incidents
  • clear about everyone's role and responsibility for safety in the workplace.

Safety equipment

You need to be provided with safety equipment where your job requires it.

The personal protective equipment (PPE) provided needs to be in good condition and you need to know how to wear and use it appropriately.

Speak up or say no to unsafe work

If you are not sure how to do something safely, ask someone for help or training. If you are concerned about a safety issue, talk to your supervisor or HSR. You have the right to refuse performing work when asked to do something that you think may be unsafe.

Fair pay

For information about rates of pay contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.

Your safety responsibilities at work

As a worker you are required to take reasonable care of yourself, and not adversely affect the health and safety of others at work. This includes being fit for work and free from the influence of drugs or alcohol.

You must comply with any reasonable health and safety instruction from your employer - known nationally as the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). It is important that you:

  • ask if you are not sure of instructions
  • work safely, and
  • report unsafe and unhealthy situations and injuries to your immediate supervisor, PCBU and/or HSR.

Remember, HSRs represent the health and safety issues of a work group and can talk about these with your PCBU.

If you work through a Group Training Organisation or labour hire agency, you can also report any work health and safety concerns to them.

Duties of the PCBU

The PCBU must provide for the health and safety of workers, customers and the public to ensure that no one is put at risk from the work carried out. The PCBU must provide:

  • a safe and healthy workplace
  • safe equipment, structures, substances and systems of work
  • adequate workplace amenities and facilities
  • information, training and supervision
  • the opportunity for you to talk about work health and safety
  • conditions that prevent worker injury or illness.

Worker checklist

Your PCBU has a responsibility to ensure that your workplace is safe, potential hazards identified and steps taken to eliminate or reduce the potential risk to your safety.

Have you been:

  • trained to carry out your work safely?
  • informed of the hazards and risks involved in your job?

Do you know how to:

  • use equipment, machinery and substances to work safely and without risk to your health?
  • use and care for safety and personal protective equipment?
  • resolve any complaints and concerns about safety and health issues at work?

Do you know what to do:

  • if there is an emergency?
  • if you are injured?
  • if you consider yourself in danger?

Are you aware of:

  • who your HSR is and how they can help you at work?
  • how to be involved in health and safety discussions at work?

To meet your health and safety responsibilities in the workplace:

  • follow instructions to ensure safety and health at work
  • report any hazards, injury or ill health to your supervisor, and/or PCBU or HSR
  • take care of any safety and personal protective equipment
  • follow emergency procedures
  • ask for help if you do not understand any of the information provided to you.