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30 workplace deaths as at Dec 2009 22 workplace deaths in 2008 23 workplace deaths in 2007 29 workplace deaths in 2006 18 workplace deaths in 2005 29 workplace deaths in 2004 27 workplace deaths in 2003 34 workplace deaths in 2002 34 workplace deaths in 2001
Assisting those affected by a workplace death
A
workplace death is a tragedy that leaves family members and workmates shocked, confused and grief-stricken.
IDSA (Industrial Deaths Support
and Advocacy Inc) is an organisation established to assist people whose
loved ones have died at work, whether in industry
or in any other type of workplace.
Most people involved with IDSA have first-hand experience of the loss
associated with a workplace death.
All help from IDSA is free and
confidential.
New free DVD: The Impact of Workplace DeathsIDSA
has produced a free DVD featuring several families associated with IDSA
who share their experience of losing a loved one through a workplace
death. The
DVD has been produced primarily for use in occupational health and
safety training, but anyone with an interest in safety in the workplace
is welcome to obtain a copy. The DVD encourages people to speak up about their workplace problems
without fear. It also includes information from WorkSafe, unions and
lawyers. More information on how to order one or more DVDs is available here.
IDSA supports the ACTU’s approach with the harmonization of OH&S Laws
to be proposed in September 2009.
IDSA President Deanne May, on behalf of support groups from Victoria, NSW & South Australia, recently co-signed a document with the ACTU Secretary JeffLawrence, which has been sent to the Hon Julia Gillard DPM, regarding ourstance on the harmonization of the OH&S laws.
The IDSA Committee has felt a need to take this direction to ensure our thoughts on the subject are made public as they were in line with the ACTU, being the one organization that has the safety of workers as its number one priority. We are most concerned with the high possibility of this becoming just another political exercise & beat up. Victoria has recently (2004), updated &rebuilt its OH&S Act with great improvements, which must allow our safety regulations & standards to go backwards.
While we recognize the benefits of this harmonization of the OH&S laws, we have this one opportunity to make it right for everyone.
An article in the Sydney Morning Herald on Sept 17th highlights some of the benefits which will be lost in NSW, including the rights of Unions to prosecute a company for causing the death of a worker by not providing them with a safe workplace. So if WorkSafe decide it’s just too hard to prosecute the company then it’s just too bad. What regulations will we lose here in Victoria?
IDSA support staff are experienced in dealing with
the practical issues that arise after a workplace death.
They can offer valuable information and assistance.
Emotional Support
IDSA
can also be of help when it comes to the emotional trauma that
accompanies a workplace death.
IDSA
support services officers can help by phone, through home visits,
during court cases, in support group meetings and more.
Other Assistance
See IDSA's
links
page to other web sites that may be of help.
IDSA
also provides
publications
and
community
education
