Power in workers hands to 'Speak Up. Save lives'

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said the new mobile reporting tool will make it easy for workers who see workplace risks which could lead to injury or death to send photos of dangerous conditions they see straight to SafeWork NSW.

“The new Speak Up reporting tool will give workers an easy, protected and fast way to report any work health and safety problems they may be facing, direct to SafeWork NSW from their mobile device,” Mr Anderson said.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone should feel confident they can report unsafe conditions. This new tool provides another way for workers to notify SafeWork NSW of a safety concern which may impact their own wellbeing and that of their work mates.”

‘Speak Up. Save Lives’ is accessed via mobile devices and allows workers to send up to three photos to SafeWork NSW showing the unsafe practice or high-risk situation. It also features a GPS locator to negate the need to know your exact location. If the user provides their contact details, they will be sent a receipt of the concern lodged via email or text, however reports can be made anonymously.

Mr Anderson said ‘Speak Up. Save Lives’ does not replace the existing need for workers to report unsafe work practices to employers or to SafeWork NSW. Businesses are still required to report all notifiable incidents, including death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident, by calling 13 10 50 immediately.

“Having seen the devastation workplace deaths and serious injury can have on the community, I would like to see workers play a more active role in making workplaces safer so everyone makes it home at the end of their shift,” Mr Anderson said.

SafeWork NSW will review all complaints and take action based on the level of risk present. ‘Speak Up. Save Lives’ has been developed as a progressive web app providing a quick and easy experience for customers.  ‘Speak Up. Save Lives’ will also be available from app stores in the new year free of charge. To access the tool visit Speak Up on your mobile device.