Safety should always be the first concern for any workplace – especially those that involve dangerous machinery. But when workers fear reporting safety breaches could lead to punishment, being able to anonymously raise safety concerns is critical.
That’s why Plant Assessor is celebrating an app launched by SafeWork NSW. The ‘Speak Up Save Lives’ app allows workers to raise any concerns they have about safety with SafeWork NSW – and choose whether their report is anonymous.
Commenting on the app, Minister for Fair Trading, Eleni Petinos remarked, “speaking up can be intimidating. I want to reassure workers that any identifying features of your submission will not be made visible to your employer. Everyone is entitled to a safe work space.”
Workers can tag their location, helping investigators identify the workplace and WHS concern. Additionally, they can attach photos to help identify risks and hazards that may have been missed. If workers provide their contact details, SafeWork NSW will keep them updated on their report.
According to the state government, the app has almost certainly helped prevent injury and death. Last year alone saw 560 reports trigger interventions in high-risk safety issues. 1,297 reports have been made since the apps inception.
“In January, we received a report about scaffolding on a construction site that had no edge protection, no safety ties and was within proximity of live power lines,” Petinos said.
“Inspectors attended the site and issued a prohibition notice immediately. Somebody could have easily fallen to their death or been electrocuted.
“In another example, inspectors responded to reports of unsafe demolition and found unlicensed removalists dismantling a storm-damaged house riddled with asbestos. Not only was the house at risk of structural collapse but improper asbestos removal can release deadly particles into the surrounding air.”
Speaking about the app, Matt Turner, Managing Director for Plant Assessor, said “we all have our part to play in ensuring a safe workplace. With this app, workers are empowered to call out unsafe practices – which means businesses should ensure they place safety and compliance at the top of their agenda.”
Businesses are still required to report all notifiable incidents, including death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident, by calling 13 10 50 immediately.
Ensure your workers never have a reason to use the Speak Up Save Lives app.
Since 2004, Plant Assessor has helped thousands of companies assess and improve their safety systems for machinery, plant and equipment.
We have an easy to use self-diagnostic tool, the Machinery Safety System Health Check, designed to help people who use plant and machinery understand how solid their safety systems are.
Our comprehensive self assessment will provide you with a clear picture of how complete your systems are, and help you prioritise the areas you can improve the most in.
Use our FREE tool to:
Identify safety gaps and risks
Diagnose your level of compliance
Know where to improve
Machinery Safety System Health Check
To speak with a member of the Plant Assessor team on how we can help you manage your machinery safety and compliance processes, call 1300 728 852 or email info@assessor.com.au
Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.