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Safety @ work

Occupational health, safety and welfare (OHSW)

Young people are more likely to be injured at work as they are often unfamiliar with workplace hazards and safety procedures. Young workers have one of the highest proportions of work related injury in the State and it is important that both you and your employer understand each others responsibilities to help keep you safe at work.

There are two occupational health, safety and welfare systems (OHSW) in South Australia – the federal and the state systems. Both systems have different sets of laws, but ultimately the aim is to keep workers and workplaces safe. It is important as a first step that you find out if your employment is covered by the state or federal system. This website provides information about the state system which covers most employers and employees in South Australia. If you work for the Commonwealth Government, or are working for a national corporation that has entered the Comcare system you should contact Comcare to receive information about the applicable occupational health and safety laws. To obtain further information about Comcare and the federal system visit their website at www.comcare.gov.au or telephone them on 1300 366 979.

In South Australia both employers and employees have responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace under the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 (the OHSW Act) the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1995 and Approved Codes of Practice made under the OHSW Act.

SafeWork SA is the agency responsible for administering the OHSW Act which aims to:

secure the health, safety and welfare of people at work
eliminate risks to health and safety in the workplace
protect the public from health and safety risks
educate employers and employees on how to provide a safe working environment
ensure any breaches of the OHSW Act are promptly investigated and resolved.

Everyone has the right to be protected from injury and from all other health risks while at work. This includes having access to things such as good lighting, appropriate tools and equipment, amenities (such as wash areas, bathrooms, drinking water, first aid etc.) to an environment that is free from workplace bullying.

Last updated: 21 October, 2010

Telephone 1300 365 255

Employers and employees within South Australia can contact their local SafeWork SA office, or the Help Centre, for the cost of a local call. This service is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and on Wednesdays from 8.30am to 4.15pm (excluding public holidays)

Email: help@safework.sa.gov.au