WorkSafe wants focus on the home
Worksafe Victoria has launched a campaign to focus on safety issues of an under-realised workplace – the home.
The campaign called Jobs At Home Day is designed to encourage workers to talk about safety in the many jobs people do when they get home at the end of the day.
Workers can visit jobsathomeday.com.au to create their own free customised Jobs at Home Day badge – or order one for a co-worker, friend or family member – and wear it to work on Friday 4 December, the official Jobs at Home Day.
WorkSafe Chief Executive Clare Amies said the campaign, which is now in its third year, was designed to get people to reflect on how safety at work has a direct impact on the things they do outside of work.
“Sadly, 23 people died in Victorian workplaces last year, with seven of those deaths occurring in the final two months of the year. Every one of those workers had important reasons to get home safely,” Ms Amies said.
“It is why we are asking people to give themselves a job at home title, make a badge, wear it on 4 December and talk to your colleagues about workplace safety.
“Ultimately, we all want to ensure we go home to our loved ones at the end of the day so we can put on our ‘jobs at home’ hat and enjoy the roles we have at home.”
Ms Amies said it was important to talk about safety at work in the busy lead-up to Christmas.
“Demanding deadlines, hectic schedules and the drive to get a job done before taking a Christmas break can sometimes mean health and safety is not at the forefront of everyone’s mind at this time of year,” she said.
“[Talking] about safety in the workplace is paramount to keeping it front of mind. Initiating an open discussion within the workplace provides the opportunity to address any potential hazards before they become an issue.”