SafeWork NSW has today launched a $3.2 million campaign aimed at ensuring workers and employers stay safe on the job.
In the last two years, several fashion retailers including Lorna Jane and Cotton On were involved in litigation around work safety.
In 2016, Cotton On was ordered to pay a former employee almost $250,000 in damages after she suffered a traumatic brain injury from a workplace accident.
The employee was struck on the head by a heavy pallet at a Cotton On warehouse, sustaining head injuries and injuries to her ankle and knee.
The “Safety starts with you” campaign has been developed to improve safety and help reduce workplace injuries and illnesses across NSW.
It highlights risky behaviour in an effort to reduce the number of injuries in NSW workplaces.
In 2015/16 alone, SafeWork NSW received 30,902 reports about major workplace injuries and illnesses, and tragically, there were 60 fatalities.
SafeWork NSW executive Tony Williams said the campaign aimed to encourage workers and business owners to discuss safety in the workplace.
“No matter your occupation, industry or background, safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Williams said.
“When you are injured at work, it doesn’t just affect you, it affects your family, friends and can also have an impact on your community.
“Through the campaign, we want workers, to think about what might happen if they’re injured at work and look at changing their behaviour.”
The campaign features paid advertising across a mix of media, including new tv, print and radio ads that focus on high risk industries and work activities.