Your rights as an employee to work in a safe and healthy environment are given to you by law, and generally can't be changed or removed by your employer. The most important rights are:

- as far as possible, to have any risks to your health and safety properly controlled

- to be provided, free of charge, with any personal protective and safety equipment

- if you have reasonable concerns about your safety, to stop work and leave your work area, without being disciplined

- to tell your employer about any health and safety concerns you have

- to get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your local authority if your employer won't listen to your concerns, without being disciplined

- to have rest breaks during the working day and to have annual paid holiday