Media Release: NEW CAMPAIGN TO BOOST WORKPLACE SAFETY

FROM THE MINISTER FOR FINANCE

DATE: Wednesday, July 9, 2008

NEW CAMPAIGN TO BOOST WORKPLACE SAFETY

Victoria’s workplaces have been urged to fix any outstanding safety issues as WorkSafe embarks on a new campaign to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.

Minister for Finance, WorkCover and TAC Tim Holding said WorkSafe’s latest television campaign would start tonight and was a stark reminder of the need to keep workplaces safe.

“Workplace accidents are preventable and the social and economic costs of workplace injury have profound affects for many Victorian workers, their families, friends, colleagues and employers,” Mr Holding said.

The new campaign responds to a recent independent OHS review and calls on employers and workers to maintain safety standards at all times.

Mr Holding said while Victoria’s workplace safety record is the best in Australia, almost 30,000 people were hurt seriously enough each year to make a workers’ compensation claim.

WorkSafe inspectors routinely visit around 40,000 workplace visits a year – the equivalent of one visit every 12 minutes.

He said while employers would be treated fairly by WorkSafe inspectors, if an inspector needed to address an issue, they would.

“Those employers doing the right thing have nothing to worry about. Those that aren’t should expect to face the consequences,” Mr Holding said.

"Some people will say this campaign is tough but they need to remember that not every day at work has a happy ending.”

Mr Holding said WorkSafe was recruiting 24 new inspectors and investigators to increase the number of site visits and they would prosecute employers if necessary.

“The Victorian Government is serious about ensuring workplaces are safe. We expect the same of Victoria’s business operators and workers,” Mr Holding said.

Last year 22 people died in accidents in Victoria’s workplaces.