What is this document?
INDG450 "Your health, your safety: A brief guide for workers" is jointly published by the HSE and the TUC (Trades Union Congress). It explains what workers can expect from their employer and what responsibilities workers have for their own safety and the safety of others.
This document helps employees understand that health and safety is a two-way street, with clear rights and duties on both sides.
Who needs to read this?
This guide applies to all workers, including:
- Full-time and part-time employees
- Temporary and permanent workers
- Agency workers and contractors
- Young workers on work experience or apprenticeships
- Mobile workers and those working away from a fixed base
- Homeworkers
- Migrant workers regardless of immigration status
- Casual workers
If you work for someone else in any capacity, this document explains your rights and duties.
Key points covered
What workers can expect from their employer
Your employer must:
- Provide a safe place of work
- Assess risks and put controls in place
- Provide information, instruction, training and supervision
- Provide necessary safety equipment and protective clothing free of charge
- Consult with you on health and safety matters
- Provide adequate welfare facilities (toilets, drinking water, rest areas)
- Have employers' liability insurance
What responsibilities workers have
As a worker, you must:
- Take reasonable care of your own health and safety
- Take reasonable care not to put others at risk through your actions
- Cooperate with your employer on health and safety
- Not interfere with or misuse safety equipment
- Report hazards and concerns to your employer
- Use equipment and substances in accordance with training
Where to get help
The document explains what to do if you have concerns about workplace safety, including:
- Speaking to your employer or supervisor
- Contacting your safety representative (if you have one)
- Reporting concerns to the HSE or local authority
- Seeking advice from your trade union
How this applies to you
For workers
Understanding your rights empowers you to challenge unsafe conditions. Your employer has clear legal duties to protect you.
At the same time, you have responsibilities too. You must follow safety rules, use equipment properly, and report problems. Health and safety works best when everyone plays their part.
If your employer is not meeting their duties, you have the right to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. In serious cases, you can contact the HSE directly.
For employers
This document is worth sharing with your workforce. It helps employees understand that:
- You have duties towards them (which builds trust)
- They have duties too (which supports compliance)
- Health and safety is a shared responsibility
Consider including this document in your induction process or referencing it in your health and safety policy.
Related guidance
- Health and safety made simple (INDG449)
- Workplace safety requirements
- Five steps to risk assessment (INDG163)
Official HSE document: Download INDG450 from HSE