ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN WARNS OF WORKPLACE DANGERS

A Workplace Health and Safety Queensland advertising campaign which begins this Sunday calls on Queenslanders to think about potential dangers lurking in their workplaces.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the four week state-wide campaign will feature television, radio, print and bus shelter advertisements.

Mr Mickel said the campaign slogan “Let’s not meet by accident” is supported by images of workers in potentially risky situations.

“This campaign sends the message that Workplace Health and Safety Queensland can help businesses avoid the health and safety dangers that lurk in every workplace,” he said.

“The advertisements encourage employers and employees to work together to identify and eliminate hazards.”

Mr Mickel said Queenslanders should never view workplace injuries and deaths as just “accidents” or accept that they are inevitable.

“Workplace incidents are almost always preventable. Eliminating unsafe work practices increases the chance of everyone going home safely to their family at the end of the day.”

“Workplace illness and injury costs Queensland a staggering $4.7 billion annually. With over 100 deaths and 85,000 injuries due to workplace incidents reported in Queensland each year it’s clear that workplace health and safety must be a priority for all of us every day in every workplace.”

The advertising campaign will run as the lead up to Work Safe Week 2006 from 22 to 28 October.

Work Safe Week will focus on reducing impact injuries caused by workers hitting or being hit by objects, which account for more than 20,000 workplace injuries annually.

A highlight of Work Safe Week will be the announcement of the winners of the inaugural Queensland Work Safe Awards which recognise businesses with outstanding safety records.

For more information on Work Safe Week visit www.dir.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 915.

Media inquiries: Chris Brown (07) 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion (07) 3224 6784