New film warns of workplace safety risks

A new Queensland Government film launched today delivers life-saving workplace health and safety messages to young workers in the words of incident victim Tiffany Ward.

In it for the long haul: The Tiffany Ward Story shows the physical, emotional and financial stress Ms Ward experienced after she suffered severe injuries to her arms in a workplace incident four years ago.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the film, targeted at young workers and their employers, was a harrowing account of what can go wrong at work.

Mr Bleijie praised Ms Ward for her bravery in sharing her story and spreading the safety message.

“Young workers aged 15 to 24 average four workplace fatalities every year and more than 7,000 suffer traumatic injuries,” he said.

“Many school leavers will be out in the job market over the next couple of months and it is important for employers to remember that many of these kids will be inexperienced.

“Employers need to dedicate additional training resources to young workers who are in the workforce for the first time.

“The impacts of a workplace injury can be catastrophic and this film provides a personal insight into how an incident at work extends past the physical scars.

“We are asking industry and schools to use Tiffany’s powerful story to raise awareness among young people of the importance of workplace safety.”

Mr Bleijie said workplace safety was a priority for the Newman Government and a unified approach between industry and government was critical.

“We want to promote discussion and encourage the development of industry-led solutions to help prevent injuries and deaths,” he said.

"The Government wants to help industry to achieve this end – we want to enable them to build stronger workplaces through greater safety and productivity.”

Visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au to view the film or call the WHS Infoline on 1300 369 915 for more information.

Media Contact: Matt Johnston 3238 3372