Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is calling for more action to target risky behaviour and practices that could lead to injury or death in NSW workplaces.
Ms Cooke said that too often, small mistakes or oversights are leading to catastrophic accidents that could’ve been avoided, which is why the focus of workers and employers needs to shift to target the behaviour early.
“Why should workers have to wait until someone is seriously hurt or killed before strong penalties can apply?” Ms Cooke said.
“Safety in the workplace needs to target risks, not the outcome of those risks, otherwise there is no incentive for attitudes at work to change.”
As part of National Safe Work Month this October, the NSW Government has pledged to roll out a number of new initiatives which aim to protect workers from serious injury or death.
Ms Cooke said workplace safety is the responsibility of everyone, which is why all workers and employers have a role to play to make sure those who go to work each day also go home to their families afterwards.
“I am urging everyone in the Cootamundra electorate to stay alert to risks in their workplace and, most importantly, if you see something – say something. Failing to do so could result in the death of your workmates.” For more information about workplace safety and steps businesses can take to improve safety outcomes, visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au
