The State’s peak business organisation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, is teaming up with business and industry across the State and Nation to make workplaces safer.

CCI is playing an active role in Safe Work Australia Week, being held this week.

Over 40,000 Western Australians are seriously injured at work every year and around 18 die as a result of work-related injuries. Nationally, more than 140,000 workers are injured and more than 250 die at work.

Injuries and fatalities don’t just affect individuals, they impact on peoples’ friends and families, and cost the community.

Employers need to ensure the wellbeing of their most precious resource – their people.

Safe Work Australia Week is a time for all Australians to renew their commitment to achieve safer workplaces and for government to work closely with business and industry to support them.

Workplace safety cannot be taken for granted. Employers and employees need to work together to make workplaces safe. A strong safety culture in an organisation encourages workers to be aware of hazards and take practical steps to reduce risks.

Improving workplace safety doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. Small things like being aware of safety procedures and looking out for one another when at work can make all the difference in keeping everybody safe.

CCI is encouraging its staff to take part in a range of activities and training courses designed to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace, and the need for everyone to take an active and lead role on the issue.

Safety is not something we should care about just for one week, or just at work. Every Australian will benefit from being more aware of the need for safety, at work and at home.

Statement CCI Chief Executive James Pearson

Media contact: David Harrison                       9365 7680       0419 929 622