In a bid to promote safer workplaces across New South Wales (NSW), SafeWork NSW has unveiled a new campaign with a clear message: “It’s the safe way or no way.”
The initiative aims to raise awareness among workers, employers, businesses, and contractors about the critical importance of reducing workplace risks and adhering to safer work practices, the organisation said in a news release.
Targeting workers aged between 18-54 in industries such as construction, agriculture, trade, and food delivery, the campaign seeks to highlight high-risk work activities and encourage proactive measures to mitigate potential hazards.
Key focus areas include ensuring appropriate safety controls for working at heights, utilisation of guards, and adherence to personal protective equipment standards.
Falls from heights stand out as the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries statewide, underscoring the urgency of addressing safety protocols in this area.
Agriculture, ranking as the second-highest industry for fatalities, also receives attention due to risks associated with farm equipment operation and animal handling.
Warehouse safety features prominently in the campaign, emphasising the importance of seatbelt use in forklifts and the implementation of measures to separate plant machinery from pedestrian areas.
Additionally, specific measures are outlined to enhance safety for food delivery riders, including the use of high-visibility equipment to reduce the risk of injury to riders and other road users.
To maximise outreach, the campaign will leverage a multi-channel approach encompassing traditional media platforms such as radio and print, alongside digital channels including social media and YouTube.
SafeWork said tailored messaging in various languages aims to reach non-English speakers and ensure broader accessibility.
Highlighting SafeWork NSW’s proactive approach to workplace safety, the organisation’s compliance activities in the previous financial year include responding to over 8,900 workplace incidents, conducting over 53,000 intervention and education activities, and issuing numerous notices and charges to address safety breaches.
Trent Curtin, head of SafeWork NSW, emphasised the campaign’s significance in reinforcing awareness of health and safety risks, echoing the vital messages delivered by inspectors daily.
“This campaign reinforces the importance of raising awareness of health and safety risks in workplaces. It supports the work of our dedicated Inspectors by emphasising the messages they take to workplaces every day – delivering them to a far wider audience,” Curtin remarked.
For further details on the campaign or access to resources, individuals are encouraged to visit the SafeWork NSW website.
