Take a moment for safety this October

​NT WorkSafe is encouraging all Territorians to take a moment to focus on safety during October for National Safe Work Month.

Recent statistics released by Safe Work Australia show that despite a steady decrease in the incidence rates of serious compensation claims in the NT¹, there were still five work-related fatalities and 1,200 serious claims each year².

NT WorkSafe Director Operations Neil Burgess said that everyone had a role in workplace safety and there was still a lot to work to do to ensure all Territorians returned home safely from work each day.

“An important part of workplace safety is having the right information, so NT WorkSafe has organised free safety seminars in Darwin and Alice Springs on current issues.”

“Two of the issues being addressed this year are the high proportion of work-related fatalities that involve a vehicle and the high incident rates of serious injury in the fishing industry,” Mr Burgess said.

“The statistics release by Safe Work Australia show 41% of the NT’s work-related fatalities involved a vehicle incident, compared to 34% nationally.”

“There are some unique challenges and risks using the roads in the Territory which will be covered in the seminar held in both Alice Springs and Darwin,” Mr Burgess said.

“Two speakers have also been organised to discuss topics directly related to the fishing industry.”

“The industry has the highest incident rate for serious claims nationally, and there have unfortunately been a few serious incidents and fatalities in the Territory,” Mr Burgess said.

“Dr Kate Brooks, who is an internationally recognised social researcher in the area of marine resource management and reputational risk, will discuss her research into the barriers to adoption of safe work practices amongst fishers.”

“A moment is all it takes for a workplace incident to occur, but taking a moment to learn about the risks and hazards can help you avoid these incidents,” said Mr Burgess.

“I encourage all Territory businesses and workers to sign up to our safety seminars and get involved this October in National Safe Work Month.”

The safety seminars will be held in Alice Springs on Tuesday 16 October and in Darwin on Thursday 18 October.

¹ Comparative performance monitoring report 19th Edition–Part 1 (Safe Work Australia)

² Fatality and injury infographics by state (Safe Work Australia)