Workplace safety rights in China are important for every worker to know about. These rights help keep you safe on the job and make sure your boss follows the rules.

In China, the law says employers must provide a safe and clean environment for everyone. Workers also have the right to speak up if they see something unsafe.

Want to know more about how you can stay safe and what your rights are at work? Keep reading to find out all the details!

What Are Your Workplace Safety Rights in China?

China has strict laws to help protect your health and safety at work. These rules set out what employers must do, what rights you have, and what laws must be followed.

Key Employee Protections and Employer Duties

You have the right to a safe workplace under Chinese law. If you notice unsafe conditions, you can report or even stop work without punishment.

You may criticize or file complaints about unsafe practices to authorities. Employers must give you proper safety education and training. They must provide safety equipment and make sure machines and tools are regularly checked.

Workplaces must have clear safety signs and instructions. Employers are required to:

• Set up a safety management system
• Regularly assess risks
• Create emergency action plans
• Ensure compliance with national safety rules

Your employer also has to investigate accidents and address hazards right away. There are rules for handling chemicals and harmful materials to reduce risks.

Main Workplace Safety Laws

The Work Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China is the main national law covering workplace safety. Amended by the National People’s Congress, this law clearly lists the responsibilities for both employees and employers.

The law requires all business entities to follow state safety regulations and pass regular safety assessments.

The State Council Work Safety Commission monitors law enforcement and helps set safety policies. There are also specific regulations on occupational safety and health issued by the state.

Companies are required to set up safety management systems under these laws.If employers break the law, they can face penalties or even be shut down.

As a worker, the law gives you tools and protection if you report unsafe practices or need action to be taken.

It's important to know your rights as a worker. For a complete look at labor laws and protections, read our article: Workers Rights in China: An Overview of Labor Law.

Common Workplace Safety Risks and Issues

Some workplaces in China have frequent accidents or health risks, especially in factories, mines, and construction sites.

Unsafe environments, exposure to toxic substances, and long work hours often create hazards and increase accidents.

Occupational Illness, Injury, and Overwork

You may face several health problems in the workplace, such as occupational diseases caused by chemicals, dust, or noise.

Repeated exposure to hazardous materials can lead to lung disease, hearing loss, or skin problems.

Overwork is another common issue. Many workplaces expect long shifts and little rest, which leads to fatigue or even severe health problems—including heart conditions.

Workers often report unsafe working environments and a lack of protective equipment. This can raise the risk of accidents like falls, cuts, or machinery injuries.

Common hazards include:

• Unsafe equipment
• Poor ventilation
• Lack of safety training
• Inadequate personal protective gear

High-Risk Industries

Some sectors in China have more safety risks than others. Coal mining, construction, and manufacturing are high-risk industries where workplace accidents happen often.

In coal mining, you are at risk from cave-ins, gas explosions, and toxic dust.

Construction work has dangers like falls from heights, faulty scaffolding, or improper machine use.

Factories, especially those dealing with chemicals, can expose you to toxic leaks or fires.

These industries often work to manage hazards through inspections and safety drills, but risks remain due to poor enforcement or lack of awareness.

Major accidents in these fields can cause serious injuries, property damage, and even death.

The push for a dynamic zero-hazard workplace means employers must regularly identify and control new dangers as they appear.

Safe and fair working conditions matter for everyone on the job. To learn what work is really like, check out the full article: China Working Conditions Overview: The Reality of Labor.

What To Do If Your Safety Rights Are Violated

If your safety rights at work are not respected, you have clear steps you can follow. These steps can help you make your workplace safer and protect your rights.

How to Report Unsafe Conditions or File a Complaint

You have the right to point out unsafe conditions at your workplace. If you notice a safety problem, first talk to your supervisor or manager. Make your report in writing if possible and keep a copy for your records.

If your company does not fix the problem, you can file a complaint with your local labor bureau. This can be done in person, by phone, or sometimes online.

The labor bureau will investigate your complaint and may visit your workplace.

For workers in the platform economy, some apps or platforms have ways to report problems directly through technology support.

Trade unions can also help you prepare your case or file a formal complaint. If several workers are affected, you may use collective bargaining to ask for changes together.

Seeking Compensation and Support

If you were hurt or got sick because of unsafe work, you may be able to ask for compensation.

Start by gathering medical records and evidence that links your health problem to your job. Submit these documents to your employer and the local labor bureau.

You can also ask for help from your trade union. Unions often offer legal advice or connect you to other resources.

Some companies provide support programs or short-term disability help. Capacity-building programs from unions, non-profit groups, or local authorities can give you tools to deal with safety issues.

These may include training, legal help, or other support to make sure your rights are protected.

Conclusion

Understanding workplace safety rights in China is important to keep yourself safe at work. Chinese laws say that your boss must give you a safe place to work and let you report any dangers without being scared. If you know your rights, you can help make your workplace safer for everyone.

No matter if you are a worker or a boss, knowing these rules can help you work better and safer. Don’t be afraid to learn more or speak up if something is not right. Want more help? Contact China Legal Experts for advice and support!

It's important to know your rights as a worker. For a complete look at labor laws and protections, read our article,  Workers Rights in China: An Overview of Labor Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rights do workers have in China?

You have the right to safe and healthy working conditions, equal pay for equal work, and access to social insurance. Chinese law also gives you protections such as paid leave and rest days.

Employment contracts are required for all workers.

What are the workplace norms in China?

Full-time employees usually work 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. Laws set rules on minimum wages, overtime pay, and paid holidays.

Your employer must follow local and national rules for workplace safety and working hours.

How does China treat their workers?

The government enforces safety regulations and labor standards through inspections and penalties for violations. However, treatment can vary by company, industry, and region.

Some workplaces meet high safety standards, while others may fall short.

Is there an OSHA in China?

China does not have an organization called OSHA like in the United States.

Instead, agencies such as the Ministry of Emergency Management and the State Administration of Work Safety oversee and enforce workplace safety regulations across the country.

What is the safety law at work?

The main law is the Work Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China. This law requires employers to create safe workplaces, provide safety training, and supply proper equipment.

Companies that do not follow safety laws face fines and other penalties.

Do workers have rights in China?

You have legal rights as a worker in China under national employment and safety laws. Workers can report unsafe conditions to authorities.

China’s labor standards follow some International Labour Organization guidelines. Freedom to form independent unions is more limited than in some countries.