Australian firms urged to be 'safety champions'

Australians are being encouraged to be ‘safety champions’ this National Safe Work Month. Throughout October, safety regulators across the country are calling on businesses, workers and employers to promote best practice health and safety initiatives in their workplace — including offices.

According to WorkSafe Victoria, glare and reflections from computer screens put users at risk of eye-fatigue and decreased ability to view the screen. Poorly designed chairs, damaged electrical cords, overloaded powerpoints, work stress and even unstable filing cabinets can also pose risks to health and safety.

To help raise awareness around these issues and support Australians in being ‘safety champions’, Safe Work Australia (SWA) has developed a range of resources, including factsheets, posters, a digital brand kit, web graphics and flyers. It has also posted a list of health and safety-themed events in each state and territory that people can participate in throughout the month.

“It doesn’t matter what industry you work in, what role you do, whether you act as an individual or work as a team. We can all actively promote work health and safety,” SWA CEO Michelle Baxter said.