Australian Unions have launched their campaign to close the health and safety gaps for offshore workers and seafarers.
Not only are these workers exposed to both serious physical and psychological hazards, but they also have among the least rights of any workers in Australia. The offshore health and safety laws are outdated, inconsistent and are missing key protections.
Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy working environment. Recognised as one of Australia’s most high-risk jobs, offshore oil and gas workers and seafarers are required to undertake dangerous tasks in some of the most remote and isolated parts of the planet.
Thousands of offshore workers don’t even have coverage by any Australian safety legislation or work health and safety regulator.
- Offshore oil and gas workers and seafarers are eight times more likely to be exposed to physical hazards than onshore workers.
- Half of all offshore workers reported sustaining at least one injury in the previous 12 months.
- 25% of offshore workers report experiencing pressure from management to not report health and safety issues.
Unions are calling for offshore workers and seafarers to have the same protections as onshore workers, with stronger safeguards where the risks demand it. They are calling for Australian WHS laws to cover offshore gas and oil projects and for the giant companies that run such businesses to be subject to the same level of penalties for WHS breaches.
Unions have secured a commitment from the Federal Government to review the laws governing seafarers and offshore workers to close the gaps and ensure that these workers are afforded the same rights and protections as all other workers in Australia.
Help support the campaign for better offshore safety laws:
- Learn – understand the gaps in offshore safety legislation that put workers at risk by reading the Health and Safety in the Offshore Oil and Gas Sector Industry Survey Report
- Share – spread the word about this campaign with your workmates, friends, family and community by downloading the Offshore and Maritime Campaign Document
- Act – SIGN THE PETITION HERE and contact your federal MP to demand stronger protections and equal safety rights for offshore workers
Read more: Close The Health and Safety Gaps for Workers Offshore - Australian Unions