Return to Work Warning
WorkSafe has issued a reminder to pay particular attention to safety when returning to work after the festive season.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said today that people returning to work after the festive break needed to be especially mindful of workplace risks.
“Nine Western Australians have lost their lives in work-related incidents so far this financial year, and employers and workers should remain vigilant and aware of any potential risks,” Mr McCulloch said.
“Management and safety and health representatives should be conducting pre-start inspections of workplaces and worksites that have been closed down over the festive period to ensure risks are minimized.
“Unfortunately it’s all too common for workers to remain in “holiday mode” after the festive season, and a lack of proper attention to the task at hand – especially in the more hazardous areas – can have tragic consequences.
“I urge every employer and worker in WA to reacquaint themselves with the safe methods of work applicable to their workplaces and jobs before launching into a fresh year of work.
“In 2011/12, WA recorded 17 traumatic work-related deaths, with 19 in 2012/13. There were 17 fatalities in 2013/14.
“In addition, every year around 18,000 Western Australians suffer an injury or illness serious enough to have to take time off work.
“It is particularly important to be vigilant at this time of year. Nine work-related deaths is nine too many, and we all have the right to return home from work safe and healthy every day.”
Returning back to work after an injury can be stressful and intimidating. Employees might worry that the injury could flare up at any time. They may be self conscious about their absence from the workplace for a period of time and be unsure of the affect this has had on the team, or their place within it.
By offering suitable duties and implementing a return to work plan for injured workers, individuals will feel supported and at ease with the process of returning to work.