INFORMATION FOR THE WORKER – OHS rights and responsibilities

Preventive medical examinations and training courses

The worker must undergo preventive medical examinations and an introductory training course on OHS before being allowed to work. Both the examinations and the training course will be provided by the employer. They will be repeated periodically throughout the employment relationship.

If possible, periodic medical examinations and check-ups shall be performed during working hours. Workers will retain the right to remuneration for the time not worked in connection with examinations, and if they need to travel to another location for these examinations, they are entitled to reimbursement of their travel expenses in accordance with rules applicable to business travel.

Working conditions and equipment

The worker has the right to healthy and safe working conditions, i.e. the right to work in conditions compliant with applicable rules, including ergonomics principles and specific standards (e.g. noise, lighting, lifting standards).

The employer provides all equipment necessary to perform the work.

The technical condition of the premises, equipment provided and other devices must be such that work can be performed safely.

Depending on the type of work and working conditions, the worker is entitled, in certain cases, to receive working clothes, personal protective equipment and supportive meals and beverages free of charge.

Special health protection

IMPORTANT! Specific OHS rules are in force concerning the rights of adolescent workers, disabled workers, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Procedure to be followed in dangerous situations

IMPORTANT! The supervisor must be notified immediately of an accident or threat to human life or health noticed in the workplace, and co-workers and other persons in the immediate area must be warned about the danger.

If the working conditions do not comply with OHS rules or pose an immediate risk to the worker’s life or health or if the work performed poses such a threat to other persons, the worker may refrain from working (or move away from the place where he works if refraining from work does not eliminate the risk), immediately notifying the supervisor accordingly.

After notifying the supervisor, the worker has the right to refrain from work that requires special physical and mental fitness in the event that his physical and mental state does not ensure safe work performance and poses a risk to others.

Relevant provisions set out the procedures to be followed if an accident at work (and on the way to/from work) occurs and if an occupational disease is suspected.

 

Responsibilities of the worker

IMPORTANT! The main responsibility of the worker is to comply with occupational health and safety provisions and rules.

In particular, the worker is required to:

• be familiar with OHS provisions, participate in training courses and follow instructions in this field,

• perform work in compliance with OHS regulations,

• follow the instructions and guidance of his supervisor in the field of OHS,

• maintain all machines, devices, tools and equipment in proper condition,

• keep the workplace clean and tidy,

• use collective protective equipment,

• use the provided personal protective equipment, working clothes and shoes in accordance with their intended purpose,

• undergo pre-employment medical examinations, periodic medical examinations and check-ups,

• immediately notify his supervisor of an accident or a threat to human health noticed in the workplace and warn co-workers and other persons in the immediate area about the danger,

• work together with his employer and supervisor in fulfilling the occupational health and safety responsibilities.

 

NAME OF THE ENTITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THE INFORMATION

Ministry of Economic Development, Labour and Technology

Department of Labour Low

email: sekretariat.dpr@mrips.gov.pl