No. 93

Renewal of ACT Safety First Project 

Minister for Industrial Relations Andrew Barr today announced $539,000 over two years had been provided in 2007-08 Budget for the renewal and enhancement of the ACT Safety First Project. 

The project will consist of targeted initiatives aimed at injury prevention and effective management of employees who have sustained an injury at work. 

“This initiative is designed to improve the health and safety of the Government's workforce while at the same time reducing the financial impact of workplace injuries,” Mr Barr said.  

“The ACT Safety First Project has demonstrated its success, since it was established in 2002, with a reduction in the Government’s insurance premium rate over that period.

“These results came at a time when the Australian Government, operating under the same legislation, experienced a 70 per cent increase in its overall premium rate. This was largely due to blowouts in the number and cost of stress claims.”

Further benefits of the ACT Safety First Project have recently been realised, with a 50 per cent reduction in the number of stress claims.  

“The new project will build on this earlier initiative, aiming to cement the gains already made, as well as to build a platform for further reductions,” Mr Barr said.

“Initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and early intervention will play a major role in reducing the incidence and severity of injuries to the Territory's public-sector workforce.”

The Human Resources Council will provide strategic oversight of the project while the Shared Services Centre will play a key role in implementing initiatives.

The Government places the safety of its workforce very high on its list of values.  This initiative will help build on that commitment.