October is Safe Work Month and all employers and workers have been encouraged to take a moment to reflect on their workplace safety culture and ensure safety is the key focus each and every day.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Rachel Stephen-Smith said it must be recognised that being safe at work and a culture of safety at work was important to all workers, in all industries and at all levels.
“The ACT Government committed to a culture of continuous improvements to workers’ safety and security at work by undertaking a number of significant reviews and reforms,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
She said these included an independent review of the ACT’s compliance infrastructure, policies and procedures; amendments to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to support greater collaboration in the construction industry; introduction of the Secure Local Jobs Package; and a commitment to introduce a labour hire licensing scheme in the ACT.
“In addition to specific Safe Work Month activities, WorkSafe ACT’s Young Worker and Apprentice Audit will continue, with the focus moving into the automotive, community and health services sectors,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“This is an important proactive activity by WorkSafe ACT, with inspectors so far visiting more than 120 workplaces and having conversations with more than 240 apprentices and young workers,” she said.
“In addition, training and support has reached more than 1,000 apprentices and young workers.”
