Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 6 September 2006

Work Safe Forum sets sights on workplace safety

Registrations for the 2006 Perth Work Safe Forum have been announced, and this year’s Forum promises to be the biggest yet.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that last year’s Forum attracted around 650 participants, up from around 500 the previous year.

“Each year the forum gets bigger, reflecting the importance placed on keeping people safe and healthy at work,” Ms Lyhne said.

“The Perth Forum will cover a range of issues and give participants the opportunity to network with others interested in workplace safety.

“A new Code of Practice on Violence, Aggression and Bullying at Work was released last month, and this is one of the subjects the Forum will give participants the chance to discuss in detail.

“A Code of Practice on Working Hours was also released last month, and Forum participants will also get to discuss the important issues of work-life balance and long working hours.”

The Work Safe 2006 Forum is presented by WorkSafe, the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health and WorkCover Western Australia.

It is a major event in Safe Work Australia Week (October 22 to 28), during which State Government occupational safety and health authorities across Australia will organize events and encourage workplaces to focus on workplace safety and health.

Speakers at the Forum will include the WorkSafe WA Commissioner, WorkSafe inspectors, Commission Chair Tony Cooke, DOCEP Principal Labour Relations Advisor Kristin Berger and speakers from RiskCover and WorkCover.

It will also include an entertaining session in which a panel chaired by Perth motivational speaker and comedian Andrew Horabin will consider some innovative work safety inventions.

The Forum will take place from 8.00am to 5.00pm on Wednesday, October 25 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The key objective of the day is to exchange information and ideas on occupational safety and health issues,” Ms Lyhne said.  “We really want to inspire people to put safety first in the workplace.

“I strongly encourage anyone who has an interest in workplace safety to register for the Forum, as it is a rare opportunity to discuss issues with others who share an interest in safety and to be updated on the latest ideas, strategies and developments.”

Further information on the Forum can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8781, or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/forums.