CHAIR of Safe Work Australia and national Safe Work Month ambassador, Ann Sherry AO has urged employers to conduct risk assessment during the third week of National Safe Work Month.

The estimated total cost of work related injury and illness to employers, workers and the community is $60 billion a year.

“National Safe Work Month is all about participation, so take some time out this October to raise awareness, conduct a risk assessment and make changes to improve your workplace,” Ms Sherry said.

“There is strong evidence that businesses who manage their risks well, including their health and safety risks, perform better financially.

“Managing workplace risks effectively involves thinking about what could go wrong, what the consequences could be and then doing whatever is reasonably practicable to eliminate or minimise the health and safety risks.”

Safe Work Australia has made available information and case studies on managing work health and safety risks.

For tailored advice on how to conduct a health and safety risk assessment at your workplace, speak to an AREEA consultant at your local AREEA office.