Occupational Health & Safety

The proposed "harmonization" of OH&S laws between Canberra and the States has predictably, and unfortunately, become a battleground for interested and involved parties to jockey for positions in the "new order"; to the credit and benefit of none concerned.

The very thought of someone going off to work and not returning home because of a workplace accident is hardly a political football - it is what it is; too often a case of life or death. Having the State Premier in Sydney and the Prime Minster in Canberra in public disagreement on the role unions are to play is unseemly and ought to be irrelevant; surely everyone has a role to play.

Of the key issues, the burden of proof, the personal liability of company officers and the impact on prosecutions, the personal liability issue is the biggest worry for those in the workplace. If individuals are to be accountable then the collective body they are in must support them in any and all ways possible. A holistic approach to workplace safety is the only approach and prevention of far more importance than finding a scapegoat in the event of a tragedy.

If the new laws to protect workers are to be promulgated only on the fear of litigation, then that is a poor attempt at motivation and an inappropriate emotion in the context.

Certainly in the event of tragedy from negligence the negligent must not go unpunished but, does it really matter who calls them to account?  A safe workplace is a basic entitlement and we all have a responsibility to each other to ensure we do our part - before it's too late.