Tragic workplace fatalities prompt safety reminder

Commerce Minister Troy Buswell has expressed sadness and concern at the third Western Australian workplace fatality in a fortnight, which occurred yesterday when a

17-year-old was killed while working at a Wangara furniture factory.

On behalf of the Liberal-National Government, Mr Buswell extended sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the young man and to those of other workers who recently died.

He said the fatality brought the number of deaths to four this financial year and it was perplexing for the authorities that three had occurred in the wake of strong promotion of the workplace safety message that had been mounted during and since October's Safe Work Australia Week.

The Minister issued a further reminder on workplace safety and health, urging employers and employees everywhere to ensure they have safe systems of work in place.

"A duty of care applies under the State's occupational safety and health laws whereby employers are obliged to provide and maintain a safe work environment.  Workers also have a duty to ensure they work safely," he said.

"This general duty of care also extends to self-employed people, principals, contractors, designers, manufacturers and anyone else who controls workplace safety.

"This includes providing workers with adequate training, instruction and supervision in the tasks they are required to perform."

On average, more than 20 Western Australians die in work-related incidents each year incurring a high cost in financial and social terms and a profound effect on family, friends and colleagues.

"Any work-related death is a tragedy," Mr Buswell said.

"I would like to convey my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the workers tragically taken in work-related incidents."