Tasmanian initiative launched to reduce workplace injuries, illness and fatalities

A statewide program to reduce workplace injuries, illness and death was launched today,
following four years of public consultation and prototype testing across Tasmania.

Known as Better Work Tasmania, the new work health and safety (WHS) initiative involved
wide ranging community consultation as well as the participation of a group of Tasmanian
businesses in a prototype program to test ideas.

Better Work Tasmania is a free WHS community program for Tasmanian businesses of all
sizes to share ideas, resources and tools, with the goal of improving WHS practices in
Tasmania.

WorkCover Tasmania Board member Richard Lowrie said WorkSafe Tasmania statistics show
7,472 workers were injured in Tasmania in 2014 and while this was nine per cent lower than
2013, there were still 7,472 injuries too many.

“Seven Tasmanian workers also lost their lives at work in 2014, which is why we all need to
work together to improve health and safety practices for Tasmanians,” Mr Lowrie said.
“Better Work Tasmania is an innovative collaborative approach to supporting and improving
WHS in Tasmania.

“Facilitated by WorkSafe Tasmania and funded by the WorkCover Tasmania Board, Better
Work Tasmania provides managers and workers with a virtual meeting place to network,
mentor and share WHS resources and ideas.

“The online portal also includes free WHS online inductions, training courses, specialist
advice as well as a workplace health and savings calculator tool.

“Better Work Tasmania also provides an ideal mechanism for small, medium and large
businesses, both private and public, to help support and assist each other by providing a
central resource for practical information and sharing of WHS ideas and solutions.”

General Manager of the Hobart City Council and Better Work Tasmania prototype
participant Mr Nick Heath said the Council was pleased to have been one of the original
organisations to participate in the testing phase.

“Council places a strong focus on the health, safety and the wellbeing of its workers and
being part of this new program has helped us to work on and improve our WHS priorities,”
Mr Heath said.

“The networking and mentoring elements of the Better Work program are especially
appealing for small businesses, who will be able to learn from each other and also from big
businesses willing to share their ideas and experience.

“Better Work has the potential to reshape the future of WHS in Tasmania by sharing,
networking and learning through the mechanisms set up by this free program.”
For more information about Better Work Tasmania and to become a member, visit
www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/betterwork.
Better Work Tasmania