October is National Safe Work Month
Safe Work Month is about committing to improving work health and safety and remembering our most important reasons for staying safe at work.
“Work-related injury and disease cost our community $61.8 billion a year,” - Safe Work Australia
“In other words, poor work health and safety costs $5000 per worker each year and equates to 4.1 per cent of Australia’s gross domestic product. - Safe Work Australia
As expressed in this infographic by Safe Work Australia, it's clear that we need to be aware and take precautions in our workplace environment we operate in.
WA Fatalities
- 30 workers killed each year
- 35% vehicle related incidents
- 12% hit by falling objects
- More than one third are workers aged 35 and under
WA Serious workers’ compensation claims
- 12,700 serious claims each year
- 22% muscular stress while handling objects
- 17% falls on the same level
- 14% muscular stress while lifting, carrying objects
Who’s responsible?
While the Commonwealth, states and territories are responsible for regulating and enforcing the WHS laws in their jurisdictions, we all have a responsibility and duty for building a safe workplace around us.
Who has a duty?
Business owners, managers and employers owe a duty to employees to ensure ‘so far as reasonably practicable’ their health and safety at work.
What is regulation?
In Australia, ‘regulation’ is the process by which the model WHS laws are enforced. State-based WHS agencies – often called ‘regulators’ – enforce the model WHS laws in their jurisdiction.
“So, this October, commit to improving health and safety in your workplace.” - Safe Work Australia
For more information visit the Safe Work Australia website.