October is WorkSafe month, which provides an important opportunity for all Tasmanians to pause, reflect, and address the importance of workplace health and safety.
Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs, Michael Ferguson, said our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is about making Tasmania the best place to live, work and raise a family.
"Recent Tasmanian reports indicate that physical injuries in our workplaces have increased by 1.4 per cent, and mental health injuries have increased by 3.8 per cent in the 2023-2024 financial year," he said.
"In total, 8,019 Tasmanian workers faced injuries on the job last financial year.
"These are not just numbers, they represent our colleagues, friends, and family members who have endured the consequences of unsafe working conditions."
"WorkSafe Month is a prime opportunity for all of us to learn more about how we can play our part in combatting these worrying trends, and the importance of returning home safely after work.
"WorkSafe Month's program of 56 free events held in locations across Tasmania and online, will focus on the need to foster healthy workplace environments, cultivate supportive, positive workplace cultures, and highlight the importance of safer job design so people can stay safe while at, and return home safely from, their work.
"I urge all Tasmanians to make safety at work a personal priority by taking the time to attend one or more events - and to encourage your colleagues and workplaces to participate as well. It is only through a shared commitment and working collaboratively to all play our part, that we can meaningfully reduce work-related injuries.
"This year, landmarks across Tasmania (including the Tasman Bridge in Hobart, Launceston Town Hall, and the paranaple Centre in Devonport) will be lit up in orange throughout October as a visual reminder of our collective responsibility to advocate for safer and healthier work environments.
"I encourage everyone connected to a workplace to prioritise their own safety and that of their colleagues and workers in order to reduce work-related injuries."
Now in its 28th year, WorkSafe Month WorkSafe Month is an initiative of the WorkCover Board Tasmania and delivered by WorkSafe Tasmania.
The full program of events for WorkSafe Month is available on the WorkSafe Tasmania website - https://www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/topics/services-and-events/month.
