I am an agency worker and feel like I have no rights. Can I refuse unsafe work?

Agency workers have the SAME health and safety protections as permanent staff. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: - You must receive adequate training before operating any machinery - You can refuse work you believe is dangerous without facing retaliation - Both the agency AND the host employer share responsibility for your safety - You must be provided with appropriate PPE If you are asked to do something unsafe, say: "I have not been trained on this and I am not comfortable operating it until I have." Put it in writing to both your agency and the factory manager. If they penalise you for this, contact ACAS: 0300 123 1100 or HSE: 0300 003 1647.

This is an important workplace health question. Based on the information above, we recommend speaking with your GP if you have health concerns and contacting HSE (0300 003 1647) if your employer is not meeting their legal obligations. Keep written records of all incidents and communications. Please note: this is general health information, not a substitute for professional medical advice.