Poll: Australians want workplace safety rights protected under new OHS laws

A recent national poll of 1013 respondents, conducted by Essential Research from 25-30 August 2009, reveals that eight out of ten Australians (78%) believe employers should do more to protect the health and safety of their workers, even if it means more costs or red tape for their business. It also finds that nearly seven out of ten workers (67%) are not aware that the governments are working together to standardise the nation’s occupational health and safety laws.

“It was clear the state, territory and federal governments were not doing enough to consult workers on proposed changes to health and safety laws,” said ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence. “Unions are concerned the proposed new national workplace health and safety laws will reduce the existing rights and protections for many Australian workers.

“The poll shows the Australian public don’t want workplace safety rights undermined and that there is significant support in the Australian community for stronger rights and protections for workers and an ongoing role for unions in checking workplaces where employees are worried they are in danger.

“The poll finds 81% of those surveyed agreed workers should have the right to call in help from a union to check on health and safety issues, regardless of their employer’s approval.

“Seven out of ten Australians (69%) believe that injured workers should be able to take their employer to court under workplace health and safety laws.

“Workplace safety is a priority issue. The death toll from workplace disease and injury is estimated to be more than four times the annual road toll. It is essential that the federal government doesn’t cave in to pressure from major employers and business lobby groups on this fundamental issue for workers.”

The union called for more to be done to reduce the cost to society of workplace illness, injury and death and that must start with best-practice national OHS laws.