Employee rights: health and safety

The risks and dangers one encounters in the workplace vary depending on the job role – office jobs, for example, may not involve the same hazards as some outdoor jobs, such as those in the construction industry.

Employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthy place to work, and in turn, workers are partially responsible for their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.

Workers have certain rights when it comes to health and safety that cannot be altered or ignored by companies, regardless of the type of work involved.

In all employment opportunities, any risks to health and safety must be properly controlled as far as is possible, and any personal protective equipment or other tools needed to ensure safety are legally required to be required free of charge.

Should an employee have reasonable concerns about their safety, they are legally entitled to stop work and leave the work area, without risk of disciplinary action.

Staff members also have the right to inform their employer of any health and safety concerns they have regarding their jobs, such as the safety of using certain tools or equipment or the hazards that are natural to their working environment.

Should bosses not consider any issues raised, employees also have the right to take the matter further with the Health and Safety Executive, the UK's independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness.

Workers can also raise issues with their local authority, and have the right to approach either body without being disciplined.

Other rights integral to employee health and safety include the right to have rest breaks during the working day, being able to take time off from work during the week, and being given annual paid holiday.

Employers are legally obliged to protect the rights detailed above to protect their workforce. However staff members also have responsibilities to protect themselves and their colleagues.

The main duties workers have are to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, i.e to be aware of work-related hazards and to avoid unnecessary risks in the workplace.

In addition, different job environments involve different responsibilities – for example, if an employment opportunity involves operating machinery, workers are to avoid wearing jewellery or loose clothing that could get caught and endanger their safety or that or their colleagues.

Those with long hair, or staff who wear a headscarf should ensure it is tied back or tucked out of the way to avoid similar risks.

In addition to protecting their own health and safety in the workplace, employees are required to take "reasonable care" to avoid putting their colleagues or members of the public in danger.

Staff are also required to cooperate with their employer to ensure the correct training is completed and that the organisation's health and safety policies are both understood and followed in practice.

Protective equipment or clothing must not be tampered with or misused, compromising the welfare of staff, and to ensure health and safety policies work effectively, any injuries, strains or illnesses acquired in the workplace should be reported.

For more information about employee rights to health and safety, visit  Direct.gov.

Further advice regarding hazards in the workplace is offered by the Health and Safety Executive.

The full wording of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 can be found on the government's legislation website.