Issue Date:  -  Friday, 27 October 2006

Safe Work Australia Week a great success

Safe Work Australia Week has proved to be a great success, with widespread participation aimed at raising awareness of occupational safety and health throughout the community.

Companies were encouraged to undertake safety-related activities in their own workplaces, and more than 70 companies registered their Safe Work Australia Week activities on the WorkSafe website.

They took part in activities such as morning teas and breakfasts to meet and greet safety and health representatives, training sessions on safety issues, workplace competitions and safety tips e-mailed to staff.

The Work Safe 2006 Forum was held on Wednesday, and more than 600 delegates attended to update their skills and knowledge in occupational safety and health and to network with others who share their interest in safety.

And tonight, more than 250 people will attend the Safety Achievers Dinner, where presentations will be made to outstanding achievers in occupational safety and health, including the announcement of the three category winners of the Work Safety Western Australia Awards who will go on to represent the State at the national Safe Work Australia Awards.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today participation in Safe Work Australia Week had exceeded expectations.

“I’m really happy with the number of events and the amount of other participation the week has generated this year,” Ms Lyhne said.

“The week is really all about promoting awareness of occupational safety and health in both workplaces and the community.

“A number of events have taken place during the week at which the outstanding contributors to safety in WA have been recognized for their great work in the safety arena.

“In WA, we are still averaging around 19,000 injuries per year that are serious enough for people to need time off work, so we still have a way to go.

“On average, every 25 minutes a Western Australian is injured at work, and every 16 days on average a Western Australian dies from injuries sustained while earning a living.

“Terrific work has been done over the past 18 years or so in WA to reduce the tragic toll of workplace illness and injury, and events like Safe Work Australia Week can only contribute to this and further reduce injuries and illness.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in Safe Work Australia Week, and congratulations to all the leaders in occupational safety and health who have been recognised for their good work during the week.”