In everyone’s interests: CWA members can play a part in safe work

1 June, 2012

 

Source: WorkSafe - media release

 

WorkSafe has called on Victorian women to become more involved in workplace health and safety, and use their influence to help protect themselves, their workers, workmates, families and friends.

 

At the Country Women’s Association’s State Conference in Swan Hill this week, WorkSafe’s General Manager for Operations, Lisa Sturzenegger, said safety improvements had to begin at the workplace level.  

 

“Whether you employ someone, work for yourself or have an interest in someone’s safety, we need your help to ensure they think about what they’re doing and what the ramifications would be if something went wrong. 

 

“As women of influence in your community, and of course your family, you can play a big part in getting the message out. Getting the job done is important, but doing it safely and getting home at the end of the day is the most important thing. 

 

“As employers, mums and grandmas, members of clubs and committees there’s a lot at stake if something happens to you or those close to you. Get a conversation started so that you, your members and families get to enjoy the quality of life that living in regional areas brings.

 

Ms Sturzenegger said that since this time last year 27 people died at work in Victoria including 10 from regional areas. Of the 10 regional deaths, six were on farms - ranging from a 94-year-old man to a four-year-old boy.

 

Statewide about 29,000 people a year are hurt badly, enough to make a workers compensation claim but, she said, many more suffered lesser injuries, ‘soldiered on’ or if self–employed, had other insurance or used their own resources to cover the bills. 

 

“Working together we will maintain Victoria’s overall position of having Australia’s lowest workplace injury rate and employers will continue to pay Australia’s lowest average workers compensation premiums. 

 

“Most importantly, families and communities won’t be torn apart by preventable incidents.”

 

Ms Sturzenegger said WorkSafe had a range of resources that could help make regional businesses and their communities safer.

 

These include the WorkSafe website (www.worksafe.vic.gov.au), telephone advisory service 1800 136 089 and a free small business support program through which independent consultants visit workplaces for up to three hours and provide advice. 

 

“If you don’t want to take advantage of these, talking to your workers and family about how a job can be done more safely, can make a real difference. 

 

“Get a family member, friend or neighbour in to have a look at things. They will often spot something you may have missed or perhaps dealt with a similar problem before.”

 

Media inquiries: Michael Birt, WorkSafe Victoria 0411 256 605.

 

 

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