The Allan Labor Government is reminding Victorians that staying safe and healthy at work is the greatest gift they can give family and friends this holiday season.
Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll announced two WorkSafe campaigns underway this festive season to keep workers safe – the new HomeSafe campaign and re-launch of the Don’t Cross The Line campaign.
HomeSafe encourages workplaces to resist the temptation to cut corners on safety at a time when getting home to be with family and friends is so important. Running online and across social media, digital screens and regional press, HomeSafe focuses on employers and workers in construction, manufacturing, transport and retail – industries that typically face additional pressure and workloads as the end of the year approaches.
Retail workers are also at increased risk of aggressive behaviour this time of the year, which is why WorkSafe’s Don’t Cross The Line campaign will return to screens, asking the community to treat workers with respect during the holiday period and consider the toll on workers who may experience yelling, swearing and hostility at their workplace.
Victorian employers also have a responsibility to protect workers from hazards by managing workloads, lengths of shifts and breaks, and helping to prevent aggression and violence. It’s also critical to ensure any new and young workers in a workplace who may be more vulnerable to health and safety risks are provided with the proper training and supervision needed to stay safe.
For more information visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/home-safe and worksafe.vic.gov.au/dontcrosstheline.
Quotes attributable to Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll
“The festive season should be a time of joy, and we’re urging Victorians to take steps that ensure happy memories with loved ones instead of heartbreak from a preventable workplace tragedy.”
“Shortcuts at work won’t bring the holidays closer, but they will increase workplace health and safety risks.”
“We’re asking Victorians to stop and reflect on the way they treat the workers they interact with on a day-to-day basis – particularly in those moments when things don’t go the way they expect.”
Quotes attributable to Acting WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Barb Hill
“Safety at work is not optional – it’s essential, and no deadline is worth putting workers at risk.”
“We’re asking employers to resist the rush, set realistic workloads for their workers, and ensure systems are in place to prevent harm this holiday season.”
Media contact: Maria Wright de Pedro 0408 390 555 | [email protected]