A new group representing injured workers and family members affected by workplace fatalities met for the first time this week in a move to give them a stronger voice in shaping NSW workplace policy and support services for the future.
Executive Director of Community Engagement at SafeWork NSW Andrew Gavrielatos, said SafeWork’s Family and Injured Worker Support Group would allow affected persons speak to Government about what is and what’s not working for those in similar circumstances, in a safe, secure and supportive forum.
“This group will advise the workplace regulator on the type of support and services required by those affected by workplace incidents,” Mr Gavrielatos said, “as well as advocate for increased workplace safety across all industries.”
“The inaugural meeting set the priorities of the Group for the next 12 months and ensures their work agenda will align with the group’s terms of reference, as well as manage the expectations and goals of the individual members,”
He said there was a good cross-section representation in the group across industries and the community involved in the process, including Mark Ellis, who lost his right leg above the knee after an incident where he was run over by a forklift.
“We also have family members who lost loved ones in the 2018 Norse Skog incident, which just recently resulted in a recent $1 million prosecution.”
Mr Gavrielatos said he admired the resolve of every member of the group and appreciated the efforts they were making to improve the systems in order to help people.
He said the group would be headed up by Ambassador, Darren Flanagan, who is known for his critical role in assisting with the rescue mission of two miners trapped more than 900 metres underground during the 2006 Beaconsfield Goldmine collapse.
“The group has 13 members and is initially established as a pilot that will run for 12 months,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
He said it would be followed by a program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the group prepare for the future.
More information about it can be accessed at this PS News link.
