More Queenslanders are staying safer at work with new figures showing a significant drop in workplace fatalities and injuries across the State.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the results come on the eve of a new statewide awareness campaign, which reminds Queenslanders to think about their most important reason for staying safe at work.
“This Government is committed to making Queensland the safest place to live, work and raise a family and the results we’re seeing are a testament to that,” Mr Bleijie said.
“In the last two years, workplace fatalities across the State have decreased by 21.3 per cent.
“The rate of general workplace injuries is down 8.2 per cent and there has been a 6.1 per cent drop in the rate of serious work-related injuries.
“Queensland workplaces are also under a closer watch than ever before with workplace health and safety inspectors visiting 15.2 per cent more job sites in the last two years.
“Since being elected to Government, we have prioritised worker safety by investing a further $2.35 million into injury prevention and management, doubling the capacity of the program.
Mr Bleije said the Government had also introduced Australia’s most comprehensive asbestos management plan, increased penalties for electrical safety breaches, extended the Zero Harm at Work Leadership Program and had undertaken a review of the current Act to ensure Queensland workplaces were as safe as possible.
“These good results mean more Queenslanders are arriving home safely to their families, but it’s important we continue to promote the work safe message,” he said.
“The new ‘Work Safe. Home Safe’ campaign is about making sure Queenslanders think twice about their wellbeing at work in the lead up to Safe Work Month in October.
“Whether it is your family, your pet, or just a bit of ‘me time’, every Queenslander has something special they want to come home to at the end of a long working day.
“TV, radio and online ads will hit the airwaves and internet from this weekend, carrying a simple message: “What’s your most important reason for workplace health and safety”.
Mr Bleijie also announced the 2014 finalists for the Safe Work Awards, which recognised Queensland companies and individuals who think outside the box to make their workplace as safe as possible.
“This year we’ve seen a record number of groundbreaking innovations that are not only making a difference in one workplace, but have the potential to be applied to entire industries,” he said.
“I congratulate our finalists and encourage all Queenslanders to stop and think about their special reason for staying safe at work.”
The winners of the 2014 Safe Work Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Brisbane on Thursday 23 October. For a full list of nominees, please visit http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/events/safeworkawards/2014-finalist/index.htm
The ‘Work Safe. Home Safe’ campaign will premiere on Queensland television Sunday, 28 September. For more information on work safety, visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or call the WHS Infoline on 1300 369 915
