Safety and health at work can save lives - Workers' Memorial Day 2020

 Workers are reminded of the importance of physical and mental health on today’s Workers’ Memorial Day which coincides with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Suzanne Orr said that although workplaces are experiencing challenges during this public health emergency, the health and safety of workers must always be the number one priority.

“There have already been two tragic deaths on residential construction sites in the ACT this year. This simply should not happen. Every worker must be able to return home safely at the end of every day.

“I would like everyone to take a moment today to remember those that have suffered severe workplace injuries and those who have tragically lost their lives at work. I encourage you to reflect on what you can do to help yourself and your colleagues stay safe at work,” said Minister Orr.

This year’s theme, Stop the Pandemic: Safety and health at work can save lives, focuses on managing the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is an extremely challenging time for all workplaces. We are all adapting practices to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and managing the psychological affects the pandemic is having on workers,” Minister Orr said.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner, Greg Jones said WorkSafe ACT will continue to take a strong approach to compliance and enforcement in workplaces.

“WorkSafe ACT continues to be active in the field to enforce workplace safety and ensure compliance. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, so we need everyone to work together to keep each other safe,” said Mr Jones.

“This year we have carried out around 250 inspections of residential construction sites, issued close to 300 notices and shutdown more than 100 sites due to imminent safety risks to workers.

“There are many workplaces doing the right thing and I commend them on that, but we are still seeing some concerning issues which means we still have a long way to go,” Mr Jones said.

ACT Work Health and Safety Council Chair, Jason O’Mara said Workers’ Memorial Day is a reminder of the importance of safety at work.

“International Workers Memorial Day is a very important day for workers around the world. It is a day where we reflect and mourn the dead but also a day where we confirm our commitment to ensuring all workers go home safely,” Mr O’Mara said.

“It is on days like International Day of Mourning that we mourn the dead but reaffirm our intent to fight like hell for the living.”

You can find out more about the 2020 World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/2019-world-day-safety-and-health-work-and-workers-memorial-day 

Find out more about workplace health and safety during COVID-19 at: www.covid19.act.gov.au/economic-support/workplace-health-and-safety and www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/5015

Statement ends