The most important reason to get involved in Work Safe Week isn’t even at work
Published Tuesday, 18 September, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Employment and Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel today urged Queenslanders to make a personal commitment during Work Safe Week 21-27 October to take action to make their workplaces safer.
Mr Mickel said now was an ideal time to start planning an activity for Work Safe Week.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a large or small activity, what matters is putting safety on the agenda and getting everyone in the workplace involved,” he said.
“Workplace safety is not just about employers and workers, it’s an issue that impacts on all Queenslanders because we are all part of a family, part of a wider community.
“For most of us the most treasured moments of our lives happen outside of work, which is why it’s so important to come home safely. That’s why this year’s theme is: The most important reason for workplace safety is not at work at all.
“The message is simple – an accident at work doesn’t just affect you, it also affects your family and friends.”
Mr Mickel said going to work should mean coming home safe and sound to our loved ones, but the reality is that people can die or be seriously injured doing their work and it can happen to anyone at any time.
“Tragically, every year around 100 Queenslanders die and a further 1 in 24 will be injured or become ill as the result of a work-related accident or disease. Besides the cost of these workplace deaths and injuries in human suffering, the cost to the Queensland economy is around $4.7 billion a year.”
“To reduce this toll, safety needs to be part of the everyday culture of all workplaces. Work Safe Week is an opportunity for individuals and workplaces to renew their commitment to safety and focus on what else can be improved.
“Remember, the most important reason why you should get involved in Work Safe Week isn’t at work at all!”
For more information on Work Safe Week including some great ideas for activities you can run in your workplace visit www.worksafeweek.qld.gov.au, call Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 369 915 or email worksafeweek@deir.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Elouise Campion on 3237 1125
September 18, 2007
Mr Mickel said now was an ideal time to start planning an activity for Work Safe Week.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a large or small activity, what matters is putting safety on the agenda and getting everyone in the workplace involved,” he said.
“Workplace safety is not just about employers and workers, it’s an issue that impacts on all Queenslanders because we are all part of a family, part of a wider community.
“For most of us the most treasured moments of our lives happen outside of work, which is why it’s so important to come home safely. That’s why this year’s theme is: The most important reason for workplace safety is not at work at all.
“The message is simple – an accident at work doesn’t just affect you, it also affects your family and friends.”
Mr Mickel said going to work should mean coming home safe and sound to our loved ones, but the reality is that people can die or be seriously injured doing their work and it can happen to anyone at any time.
“Tragically, every year around 100 Queenslanders die and a further 1 in 24 will be injured or become ill as the result of a work-related accident or disease. Besides the cost of these workplace deaths and injuries in human suffering, the cost to the Queensland economy is around $4.7 billion a year.”
“To reduce this toll, safety needs to be part of the everyday culture of all workplaces. Work Safe Week is an opportunity for individuals and workplaces to renew their commitment to safety and focus on what else can be improved.
“Remember, the most important reason why you should get involved in Work Safe Week isn’t at work at all!”
For more information on Work Safe Week including some great ideas for activities you can run in your workplace visit www.worksafeweek.qld.gov.au, call Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 369 915 or email worksafeweek@deir.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Elouise Campion on 3237 1125
September 18, 2007