A group representing injured workers and family members affected by workplace fatalities met for the first time this week in a move which ensures they have a stronger voice in shaping NSW workplace policy and support services for the future.
SafeWork NSW’s Executive Director of Community Engagement, Andrew Gavrielatos, said SafeWork NSW’s Family and Injured Worker Support Group would allow affected persons speak to Government about what is and what is not working for those in similar circumstances, in a safe, secure and supportive forum.
“This group will advise the workplace regulator on the type of support and services required by those affected by workplace incidents, as well as advocate for increased workplace safety across all industries,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
“The inaugural meeting set the priorities of the Group for the next 12 months and ensure their work agenda will align with the group’s terms of reference, as well as manage the expectations and goals of the individual members.
“We have a good cross-section representation across industries and the community involved in this process, including Mark Ellis, who lost his right leg above the knee after an incident where he was run over by a forklift. We also have family members who lost loved ones in the 2018 Norse Skog incident, which just recently resulted in a recent $1 million prosecution.
