World Day for Safety and Health at Work today is an important opportunity for employers, employees and governments to think about what they can do to make our workplaces safer, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today.
James Pearson, CEO of the Australian Chamber, said: “When each of us goes to work each day, we expect to come home safely. Thankfully, following a concerted effort from all stakeholders, Australia’s work-related fatality and serious injury rates are trending downwards.
“But there is more we can all do to reduce work health and safety incidents. That’s why the Australian Chamber is proud to support World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The theme for this year’s day is ‘Take the Lead’, which makes clear that each of us can take the initiative to make our workplaces safer.
“Work health and safety (WHS) is both a shared and individual responsibility. From CEOs to managers to frontline staff, we each need to look out for each other, to be vigilant about risks and to work together to keep each other safe.
“WHS is a priority for the Australian Chamber. I am privileged to serve as a member of Safe Work Australia as an employer representative, and our members and staff are active on SWA committees that shape WHS policy.
“We are working hard to achieve safer and healthier workplaces through improved awareness and understanding. WHS should be treated as a key culture and performance issue in organisations of all sizes.
“We know that workplaces that are driven by values and have a culture that celebrates people’s wellbeing are safer, more productive, perform better and retain staff more easily.”
Safe Work Australia, which brings together government, employers and employees, suggests some practical ways to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work in workplaces
- practicing good work health and safety;
- organising a morning or afternoon tea to talk about WHS;
- display promotional posters;
- screening a seminar from the Virtual Seminar Series; and
- arranging for a safety expert to speak at your workplace.