SafeWork NSW’s ‘Speak Up Save Lives’ app is being hailed as a resounding success, as it passes the milestone of 10,000 anonymous reports since launch just over two years ago.
The app aims to provide employees with the opportunity to report their employer or PCBU if they believe the workplace has a health or safety concern. The app offers anonymity for those who are worried about raising their concerns.
Since its inception, there have been 10,000 submissions where employees have reported unsafe working conditions. Over the last year, more than 500 reports triggered interventions in high-risk safety situations.
The Minister for Fair Trading explained that she understood that “speaking up can be intimidating. I want to reassure workers that any identifying features of your submission will not be made visible to your employer. Everyone is entitled to a safe workspace.”
“I urge anyone who sees anything risky or unsafe at work to please immediately report it. We all have our part to play to ensuring everyone’s safety.”
“In January, we received a report about scaffolding on a construction site that had no edge protection, no safety ties and was within proximity of live power lines,” she said.
“Inspectors attended the site and issued a prohibition notice immediately. Somebody could have easily fallen to their death or been electrocuted.
“In another example, inspectors responded to reports of unsafe demolition and found unlicensed removalists dismantling a storm-damaged house riddled with asbestos. Not only was the house at risk of structural collapse, but improper asbestos removal can release deadly particles into the surrounding air.”
Businesses are reminded that they are required to report all notifiable incidents, including serious injury or illness, dangerous incidents or a fatality, to WorkSafe immediately.
For more information on the Speak Up Save Lives app, visit the SafeWork website.