Christmas is risky for workers, says WorkSafe Victoria

Workers are more likely to die in November and December than any other time of the year, warns WorkSafe Victoria.

WorkSafe has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers associated with working during these months, after revealing that almost 25% of workplace deaths over the past decade occurred during November and December.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Marnie Williams said it was critical that employers and employees understood the risks associated with the busy pre-Christmas period and worked together to prevent a workplace fatality.

“It is a tragic reality that this time of year is deadly for Victorian workers,” Williams said.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, so it’s up to all employers and workers to work together to make sure fatalities do not happen.”

The lead-up to Christmas is often busy, with employers and staff rushing to meet deadlines and complete projects, but Williams said that this should never compromise safety.

“No deadline is worth someone’s life. Last year we saw 19 workers lose their lives and eight of those alone were during this dangerous time of year,” she said.

SafeWork is urging employers to talk to their workers about the strategies that should be put in place to ensure deadlines are met without risking an employee’s life. This could include bringing in more resources or factoring in extra time to complete a project.

“Yes, it may cost a little more but the cost of a fatality or serious injury far outweighs the cost of missing a deadline safely. It really could make the difference between life and death,” said Williams.

According to SafeWork, 24 people have already died at work this year.

“Don’t become a Christmas statistic. For the sake of your family and friends, make workplace safety your number one priority,” said Williams.

The new SafeWork campaign will run in print, on radio and online.