WHS regulators Australia-wide have urged businesses and workers to stay vigilant in the lead-up to the holidays and to maintain focus on health and safety across all workplaces.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Darren Kavanagh emphasised the need for both employers and employees to pay attention to their workplace safety.
“As we head towards the end of the year and the festive season, it’s timely to remind both employers and workers of the need to remain vigilant where workplace safety is concerned,” Kavanagh said.
“Both employers and workers can feel pressured to complete projects or tasks before taking a break for the festive season, but safe work practices should not be sacrificed in the process.
“Trying to get things done quickly can result in a lack of attention to detail, and one moment of inattention can easily lead to tragedy, with the impact being felt throughout the workplace, family, friends and the community.
“Similarly, it’s all too common for workers to remain in “holiday mode” after the festive season, so I appeal to everyone to make safety the top priority across the festive season and into the New Year.”
WorkSafe Victoria has also urged businesses to take extreme weather conditions into account during the summer months and has re-released its guide to working in the heat.
WorkSafe Australia also has a library of resources for workers and PCBUs alike for managing the risks of working in heat.