The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the launch of the new 10-year Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033, released today.
"The strategy once again sets a clear, universal goal to reduce worker fatalities, injuries and illnesses, and builds on progress made over the past decade in addressing workplace health and safety challenges," ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.
"ACCI, as an employer representative member of Safe Work Australia, has been pleased to partner with the agency, and our government and union colleagues, in developing this important new national framework that will guide our collective efforts over the next decade."
Whilst Australia has achieved a decline in injury and fatality rates over the life of the last strategy, progress has slowed.
This strategy focuses on driving systematic change through a shift to a more mature WHS system, development of a stronger WHS culture and a more dynamic mindset.
ACCI director of health and safety policy Jennifer Low said the evidence-based strategy was the culmination of over a year of extensive consultation and had been agreed to by all Australian governments and key stakeholders.
"This new WHS strategy has a strong theme of continual improvement and collaboration whilst balancing realistic but contemporary targets," Ms Low said.
"It addresses both ongoing challenges including awareness of duties in relation to harmful substances and more traditional slips, trips and falls as well as emerging issues like psychosocial risks, artificial intelligence, automation and changing forms of work."
