16 June 2003
The Victorian Trades Hall Council today welcomed the launch of an advertising campaign by WorkSafe that encourages employees and employers to discuss health and safety in their workplaces.
"We welcome this campaign because it reminds workers that they have rights in their workplace, including the right to speak out about occupational health and safety", said Leigh Hubbard, Secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council. "However, in our experience, not everyone is able to speak out about health and safety hazards and problems in their workplace." Mr Hubbard said that workers such as young workers, non English speaking background workers and those who work for 'labour hire' companies are less likely to raise their health and safety concerns.
"When you don't know from day to day whether you will be working again tomorrow, it is less likely that you will speak up about health and safety. Emerging research that shows higher rates of injury in the labour hire sector certainly supports this reality for these workers.
"We also welcome this campaign because it is a proactive step by WorkSafe in their job of informing and educating employers and employees of their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Health & Safety Act."
The Trades Hall says it expects a lot of calls from workers about their rights in the workplace, including their right to elect a Representative.
"We will be reviewing the effectiveness of the campaign and also examining what WorkSafe is doing to support this campaign."