ActSafe - Module 4: Manufacturing

RIGHT TO REFUSE UNSAFE WORK

If you are working on a task that you believe is unsafe or unhealthy, these are the steps to take:

The first step is to talk.
Talk to your supervisor and Health and Safety Representative abourt the problem. They will then go to the employer whose responsibility it is to assess the risk.
Together you should agree on ways to resolve the problem. If you are in immediate danger then you should be given alternative work.

It is the employee's responsibility to report hazards.
It is the responsibility of your employer
to provide a safe workplace.

The Right to Refuse Work

If you believe the work you are doing is dangerous and there is an immediate risk of serious injury or harm to yourself or others, then you can refuse to do this work.

You must tell your supervisor or employer
and Health and Safety Representative
of your concerns.

The problem then has to be resolved by the employer and the Health and Safety Representative or committee, or employees. If these people cannot resolve the matter, they may then request an ACT WorkCover Inspector to attend the workplace.

Most accidents in the Manufacturing Industry can be prevented with safe work procedures.

ActSafe Certificate

Now try the self assessment questions. There are 16 questions and if you get 14 or more correct you can receive an ActSafe Manufacturing Industry Health and Safety Awareness Certificate, from the ACT Commissioner for Occupational Health and Safety.

Self Assessment Questions

You have worked through a variety of information about occupational health and safety in the Manufacturing Industry. The knowledge you have gained will help you work more safely, and will prepare you for contributing to safety in your workplace.

As you work through the questions, it may help to think of yourself as an employee when answering them.

The questions are in a multiple choice or True/False format. You should indicate your answer to each question by clicking on the circle next to the option you select. When you have answered all questions, click the 'Submit Your Answers' button at the end of the test. Your answers will then be assessed and your result displayed. If you answer at least 85% of the questions correctly you can receive an on-line certificate which can be printed and retained to show you have completed this Manufacturing Industry component of the ActSafe Education Modules.