Safe Work Australia Chair Tom Phillips has launched the 2012 Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador Program and called for nominations for the 2012 Safety Ambassador of the Year Award.

 

Mr Phillips urged every workplace in Australia to use National Safe Work Australia Week, be held from October 21-27, to make improvements to health and safety in their workplace.

 

“Held annually, Safe Work Australia Week encourages all working Australians to focus on improving health and safety in their workplaces to reduce death, injury and disease, said Mr Phillips. “It reminds us all that safety should be a priority all year round.”

 

Mr Phillips said there are many ways for Australians to get involved in Safe Work Australia Week, including becoming a Safety Ambassador.

 

“A Safety Ambassador is someone with a passion for work health and safety who is dedicated to making their workplace safer, he said. “They can be a worker at any level who is willing to lead by example and motivate their workplace to participate in Safe Work Australia Week.”

 

As well as being recognised as leaders in workplace safety, Safety Ambassadors receive access to a range of Safe Work Australia Week resources to help them plan and promote activities in their workplace. They also have the opportunity to enter the Safety Ambassador of the Year Award. 

 

Entries for the Award close on September 24, with the winner to be announced at the end of October.

 

The theme of this year’s week, Safety begins with ‘S’ but starts with You reminds Australian workers that anyone can lead safety in their workplace.

 

“It doesn’t matter whether you are the CEO or an entry level worker it is up to you to start improving safety,” Mr Phillips said.

 

For more information about Safe Work Australia Week, to register to become a Safety Ambassador or to find out about activities in your state or territory visit: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au