Remembering those lost to ensure safety of workers

On the International Day of Mourning SafeWork NSW joined with Unions NSW to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the workplace.

Each year businesses around the world are encouraged to take time to think about the significance of work health and safety and how workplace incidents can affect those around them.

Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said workplace safety is the number one priority and he will continue to work with industries including transport, agriculture, construction and manufacturing to ensure incidents are prevented.

“In 2018, SafeWork NSW was notified of 48 work-related fatalities. Today we remember those workers who lost their lives and reflect on how we can improve the health and safety for all workers,” Mr Anderson said.

“No family should have to go through the hardship of illness or injury, or the loss of a loved one, because appropriate safety measures were not in place.

“I want to ensure all workers are afforded the right to return home safely from work every day.”

In the last decade, there has been a 28 per cent reduction in work related fatalities and a 24.6 per cent reduction in serious injury and illnesses. However, the number of fatalities and serious injuries are still too high.

The NSW Government continues to focus on high-impact risks in the workplace with emphasis given to industries and workers most at risk. Operation Scaf Safe is currently running, which is part of SafeWork’s Towards Zero Falls From Heights campaign.

Compliance operations involving random inspections from SafeWork officers continue to be conducted at random throughout the year. Inspectors may issue fines and penalties for businesses found not to be compliant with work health and safety laws.