The ACTU has launched a national awareness campaign to inform workers of their rights and employers of their obligations under harmonised health and safety laws that have taken effect in some states.

 

The Speak Up campaign encourages workers to have a say in making sure their workplaces are safe and healthy.

 

ACTU Assistant Secretary Michael Borowick said it was important that workers understood they would have enhanced rights to elect their own health and safety representatives under the harmonised occupational health and safety (OHS) system that began in NSW, Queensland, the ACT and the Northern Territory on January 1.

 

“Workers need to know that when they are confronted by a health or safety issue in their workplace, they don’t have to deal with it alone,” Mr Borowick said.

 

“They have an iron-clad right, under law, to elect their own health and safety representatives. These reps act as watchdogs within the workplace, making employers comply with the law well before regulators have to become involved.

 

“They have rights to stop work and demand improvements when there are health or safety concerns.

 

As well as distribution of Speak Up campaign materials in workplaces around Australia, the ACTU has also launched a new website www.safeatwork.org.au.