WorkCover paralympian program gets safety message to workers

WorkCover NSW has announced that almost 10,000 workers across NSW participated in its Paralympian Speakers Program during 2010 and has encouraged employers to register for the program in 2011.

The program involves workers hearing the stories of seven WorkCover-sponsored paralympians about the injuries they have experienced, their long road to recovery and why workers must put safety first.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division John Watson said the paralympians, during 2010, visited more than 180 businesses, playing a vital role in raising awareness of the importance of workplace safety and he said that the program would continue throughout 2011.

“The Paralympian Speakers Program is part of WorkCover NSW’s four-year $1.2 million sponsorship of the Australian Paralympic Committee,” Watson added. “Through their life stories, the highly motivated and gifted paralympian speakers make a powerful connection with workers.

“Drawing on their own experiences of serious injury and recovery, they spread a strong and emotive message about workplace safety and injury prevention.

“The program is a must for all businesses and I encourage employers to register for the Paralympian Speakers Program in 2011.”

Paralympic speaker John Marshall was working as a police constable when a motorcycle accident left him a paraplegic. Remaining in the NSW Police Force, John is now a sergeant with the NSW Police Diving Unit, responsible for maintaining and servicing all police diving equipment. The Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games archer from Balmain is the first and longest-serving member of the program and says everyone should return home from work safely.

“Most accidents occur when someone is doing a mundane task, they become complacent and fail to take the necessary safety precautions,” he said.

Watson commented that the paralympians know firsthand why the number one priority in any workplace should be to identify risks, remove risks or put in place controls: “They know that workers must speak up when they see something unsafe, that employers must encourage talk about safety every day and never be complacent about safety risks in the workplace.

“The paralympian’s personal journeys, including the road to recovery and return to work, make a real impression on all they meet.

“The story of how they incurred their injuries, their recovery and determination to become an elite athlete and succeed on the world stage is what inspires.”