New awards program to help combat Tasmanians being injured at work

The new-look 2018 WorkSafe Tasmania Awards program was today launched to make it simpler for organisations, regardless of available resources, to enter and receive recognition for their commitment to workplace health and safety.

WorkCover Tasmania Board Member Julieann Buchanan said when the WorkSafe Awards program was first launched in 1996, the number of Tasmanians who suffered work-related injuries or illnesses was 16,165. In 2017, this figure has more than halved.

“Last year 6,884 Tasmanians were injured and sadly five Tasmanians lost their lives at work,” Ms Buchanan said.

“The new awards program aims to make it easier for Tasmanians to be rewarded for their efforts in reducing injuries and deaths in the workplace.”

The new look awards program will also raise awareness of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work and the Workers’ Memorial Day, both of which will be celebrated this weekend on Saturday, 28 April 2018.

Saturday marks an important day for focusing on safety and health in the workplace and offers all Tasmanians an opportunity to honour those who have died from work-related injury or illness.

“As part of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, this year we are encouraging every Tasmanian to focus on developing safe and healthy workplaces for young workers and future generations,” Ms Buchanan said.

“Young workers have a higher tendency of getting injured within their first year of employment. In Tasmania last year alone, 972 young Tasmanians were injured at work.

“Young workers also have a higher risk of burns, wounds, lacerations, amputations, internal organ damage and skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases

“Last year 175 young workers from the construction industry were injured at work. The majority of these were working as carpenters and joiners, plumbers, electricians and labourers.”

A key message of the WorkSafe Awards is that safe business is good business with less injury and illness equating to less time away from the workplace, which enables businesses to focus their energy and resources on increasing productivity.

Entries for the WorkSafe Awards are open until Sunday, 3 June 2018 and can be completed online at www.worksafe.tas.gov.au

WorkCover Tasmania Board Member Julieann Buchanan