If your workers aren't safe, then neither are you

WorkSafe Victoria has launched a powerful new public awareness campaign showing the impact that a serious injury can have on everybody in a workplace.

The campaign, which contrasts people experiencing typical, everyday frustrations against the trauma of serious workplace incidents, is aimed at employers.

“While the majority of employers understand why it is important to maintain a safe workplace, there are still far too many fatalities and injuries occurring every year,” said WorkSafe Chief Executive Clare Amies.

“Our campaign shows an employer dealing with the consequences — telling the family, supporting traumatised employees and dealing with a WorkSafe investigation.

“The campaign reminds employers that inspectors visit workplaces anywhere, any day, anytime and the message is a blunt one: if your workers aren’t safe, then neither are you.”

Last year, WorkSafe inspectors made almost 42,000 workplace visits to workplaces. Amies said everyone suffers when someone is injured at work — not just the person involved but their family, friends, colleagues and the business itself.

“It is vital employers do everything they can to prevent this from happening. Last year, 20 Victorians lost their lives at work and more than 26,000 workers were hurt seriously enough to receive compensation. Already this year, there have been four workplace deaths,” said Amies.

“That is why we make no apology for delivering this blunt message to employers that they must do everything they can to protect the health and safety of their employees.”

The campaign will appear on television, radio, online, in print, on outdoor sites and across social media.

Visit worksafeeveryday.com.au for more information on how you can improve the safety of your workplace.