Australia Puts the Spotlight on Safety
Australia is taking the initiative to improve workplace health and safety (WH&S) through their annual National Safe Work Australia Week, kicking off 21 October 2012. This event is organised by Safe Work Australia, an Australian government statutory agency with the primary responsibility of improving WH&S and workers compensation arrangements across Australia.
This year’s theme, “Safety begins with ‘S’ but starts with ‘YOU,’” emphasizes WH&S as a companywide focus, in which all employees are responsible for improving safety in their workplace. Safe Work Australia presents employees with the opportunity to be recognised as a “Safety Ambassador” by their companies for their commitment to enhancing safety and increasing awareness.
During this week, companies have the opportunity to participate in events hosted by the WH&S agency for their respective state or territory. For example, WorkSafe Victoria is hosting over 100 free seminars and events across 15 different locations during this year’s National Safe Work Australia Week. Statistics from the event last year indicated that 72% of the WorkSafe Victoria attendees made improvements to their company’s WH&S protocols.
Additionally, many of the WH&S governing bodies award companies that exhibit exceptional records in the area of health and safety. With awards in categories such as “Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System,” this week provides an opportunity for employers to showcase their exemplary safety programs.
By promoting improvements in workplace safety and recognising companies with outstanding safety records, National Safe Work Australia Week emphasises the concerted efforts made to improve safety across Australia.
Resources:
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/events/work-safe-week-2011-a-view-and-download-the-webcasts-and-presentations-today
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/events/safeworkawards/index.htm
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/aboutsafeworkaustralia/nationalactivities-/safeworkaustraliaweek/swaw-12/pages/national-safe-work-australia-week.aspx