Brisbane brekkie heralds start of Safe Work Month

The annual community breakfast in King George Square is always fun, entertaining and informative, but it has a serious side – the event marks the start of Safe Work Month which runs across Australia throughout October. 

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said Safe Work Month highlights safety in the workplace and reminds us that we can all do a little more to keep ourselves and our work mates safer. 

“We all have the right to a safe workplace and every Queenslander deserves to go home to their loved ones at the end of each working day,” Ms Grace said. 

“We’d like everyone to make an extra effort this Safe Work Month by taking time to think about safety at work, make changes if necessary, and never rush into a task. 

“It’s about thinking and living safety when you’re at work – doing whatever you can to help yourself and your colleagues work healthier and work safer.” 

Across the state there are safety breakfasts in nine regional centres from Cairns to the Gold Coast, with Queensland Mental Health Ambassador Libby Trickett sharing her story. As well, workplaces are holding their own safety days, toolbox talks and barbeques. 

Safety Ambassador Shane Webcke and Asbestos Awareness Ambassador Trevor Gillmeister also joined Trickett at today’s breakfast, as did chef extraordinaire Julie Goodwin and the fitness experts from Phoenix Physique.

“They were all delivering important messages about working healthier and safer,” Ms Grace said. 

“As a Government, we’re doing our bit too. 

“We will honour those who are excelling at the Safe Work and Return to Work Awards ceremony in two weeks, and a day later we host the Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference. 

“Looking to the future, we have new laws before the Parliament which will give us greater powers to deal with employers who don’t do the right thing by their workers. 

“As well, we are establishing a labour hire licensing scheme to protect some of our most vulnerable workers. This is a first for Australia, although other states are following our lead. 

“Because we know that work-related injuries and illnesses have a huge impact on people’s lives, and come at a huge cost to businesses. 

“And so a safe, healthy workforce is also good for a business's bottom line,” Ms Grace said. 

Businesses wanting to get involved in Safe Work Month can get free resources and information at worksafe.qld.gov.au. 

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548