Make workplace safety a priority: CCIWA

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA is teaming up with employers acorss the state to lift awareness about workplace safety, after 22 deaths were recorded last financial year.

The announcement is below:

The State's peak organisation representing local business, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, is teaming up with employers across the State and Nation to make workplaces safer.

CCI is playing an active role in Safe Work Australia Week, starting today.

Over 40,000 Western Australians were seriously injured at work last financial year, and 22 died as a result of work-related injuries. Nationally, on average, more than 135,000 workers are injured and more than 250 die at work each year.

Any injury or loss of life is unacceptable, and the WA business community, supported by CCI, is taking action to better care for their most precious resource - their people.

Injuries and fatalities often have impacts that can last for years on workers, families and friends, and cost the community millions of dollars in lost earnings and medical expenses.

Safe Work Australia Week is a time for all Australians, including government, employers and employees, to renew their commitment to achieve safer workplaces and for government to work closely with business and industry to support them.

Workplace safety cannot be taken for granted. Employers and employees need to work together to make workplaces safe. A strong safety culture in an organisation encourages workers to be aware of hazards and take practical steps to reduce risks.

Improving workplace safety doesn't have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. Small things like being aware of safety procedures and looking out for each other when at work can make a big difference in keeping everybody safe.

CCI is encouraging its staff to take part in a range of activities designed to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace, and is encouraging its members to actively support Safe Work Australia Week.

Safety is not something we should care about just for one week, or just at work. Every Australian will benefit from being more aware of the need for safety, at work and at home.