Working safely: Know your rights and obligations

Was on

Work

July

2025

5 min reading time

Whether you work in construction, a warehouse, healthcare or cleaning, working safely is always important. As a temporary worker, you have as much right to a safe workplace as permanent employees. But do you know what your rights and obligations are? And what you can do if you don't think something is safe? In this article we explain in a clear way what you need to know about health and safety rules, safety and how Doorzaam helps you to work safely. We also explain in an animation about your safety and what you can expect as a temporary worker.

Why safety at work is important

Everyone has a right to a safe workplace. Whether you work in a warehouse, construction or health care: the rules apply to everyone. As a temporary worker, you sometimes work in different places. This makes it extra important that you know what the rules are and where you can go if you have concerns.

A safe workplace means:

You know what to do in case of danger
You are explained about risks of the work
You have proper protection (such as a helmet, gloves or hearing protection)
You may take a break if it is too hard or too hot.‍

What are health and safety rules?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act is the law about healthy and safe working. This law contains agreements that employers and employees must comply with. If you work through a temporary employment agency, these rules also apply to you. The Working Conditions Act ensures that you can do your job safely and do not suffer health problems as a result of your work.

Examples of health and safety rules are:

You must be given good explanations about your work and your workplace
You must be given protective equipment, such as safety shoes or hearing protection
You must not lift too heavily or work in the wrong posture for too long
You know what to do in the event of danger or an accident

Both the employment agency and the company where you work must make sure your workplace is safe. They should also make sure you know what the risks are and how to work safely.

What can you do yourself?

Not everything lies with your employer or employment agency. Besides your employer or employment agency, you have your own responsibilities. That means you have to take care of your own health and safety.

You can do this yourself:

Pay close attention to the explanations you receive about your work
Ask questions if you don't understand something
Use protective equipment such as a helmet, gloves or work boots as needed
Tell me immediately if you see something dangerous.
Do not do work for which you have had no explanation or instruction

Watch the video: Occupational Health & Safety Animation

Would you prefer a short explanation of safety at work? Doorzaam has created an animation for this purpose. It explains what you need to know about working safely through an employment agency.

Safety is important for your health

An accident at work can have major consequences. Consider:

A cut or burn
Muscle pain or injury from excessive lifting
Hearing damage caused by noise
Stress or overwork due to a high workload

These symptoms can cause you to be unable to work temporarily or even for an extended period of time. That's why working safely is good for your health.

Play the game: Your Work, Your Safety

Want to check how much you already know about working safely in a fun and interactive way? Then play the game 'Your Work, Your Safety'. In this online game you answer questions about situations in the workplace. In this way, you learn through play what your rights and obligations are and how you can work properly and safely.

Play the game via this link.