What are employer and employee responsibilities for safety, health and rehabilitation?
General Duty of Care Under the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act the general duty of care is a basic concept concerning the responsibilities of employers, employees and other persons involved with the workplace. The duty of care for an employer (Section 19, OSH Act) is to ensure, so far as is practicable, that employees are not exposed to hazards while they are working. Employer have to organise safe systems of work, provide information, instruction and training, and consult with safety and health representatives and other employees when safety and health issues arise. There is also a duty on employees (Section 20, OSH Act) to take reasonable care for their own safety and health and to avoid harming others. There are specific duties for employees to follow the employer’s instructions, use personal protective clothing and equipment provided by employers, take good care of equipment and to report hazards. People who design, manufacture, import or supply equipment for use at a work