SAFE WORK ACT MONTH LAUNCHED

Safe Work ACT Month 2008 was launched today by Attorney-General Simon Corbell, who encouraged all Canberrans to renew their focus on workplace safety.

"Safer workplaces benefit everyone in the community - business owners, their workers, and the families of those workers and it is incumbent on all of us to consistently strive to make all workplaces in the ACT safer," Mr Corbell said.

"While the new Work Safety Act will provide an excellent platform for improved communication between management and their workers, community and business leaders must show the way if we want to build strong safety cultures in ACT workplaces.

"Engaging with small businesses on health and safety issues is important for all states and territories, and there will be a range of activities for Safe Work ACT Month, including;

the Serious About Safe Business program designed to provide practical guidance and assistance to small businesses;
a safety seminar at the National Museum on 14 October focusing on the importance of management commitment to achieving health and safety outcomes; and,
National Safe Work Australia Week from 19-25 October.
"A Safety Expo will also be held at the National Convention Centre on Thursday 16 October, providing suppliers and service providers an opportunity to showcase the range of products and services available to health and safety practitioners.

"The ACT Government has also provided new publications and new television commercials promoting improvements in safety for smaller workplaces will air in the week starting 19 October.

"The ACT Office of Regulatory Services and the OH&S Commissioner are both improving the resources and support available to small businesses, to help them achieve better health and safety outcomes and work towards safer workplaces across the ACT."

More information and a calendar of events for Safe Work ACT month can be found at the ACT OH&S Commissioner website http://www.worksafety.act.gov.au/ or through Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.