A new world-class research centre that will help reduce deaths and serious injuries in NSW workplaces will officially open its doors today, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.
The Gosford-based $2.5 million Centre for Work Health and Safety will use the latest data, research and insights to help protect workers across the state.
Over 2015/16 there were almost 31,000 major workplace injuries and illnesses reported to SafeWork NSW, and tragically 60 workplace-related deaths.
Mr Kean said some of the Centre’s initial projects would include investigating ways to reduce crane incidents in NSW, a comprehensive work health survey, and creating predictive modelling for future work health and safety challenges.
“This centre is just one of the ways NSW is leading the nation in smarter, more innovative harm prevention initiatives,” Mr Kean said.
“Every worker across this state deserves a safe and healthy workplace, and that’s exactly what this centre is about.
“It will inform policy, identify emerging trends and set priorities for the future through four key streams: insights and analytics, research, science outreach, and business support.
“With work-related injury and disease costing the Australian community $61.8 billion in a single year, this initiative can also provide a significant return on investment to NSW taxpayers in reduced workers compensation claims and improved productivity.”
The centre will be supported by a research foundation, which will guide investment in leading-edge academic research.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure NSW workers are as safe as possible at work, and will continue to push the boundaries to improve workplace injury prevention,” Mr Kean said.
For more information on the Centre for Work Health and Safety go to www.centreforwhs.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50.
View a PDF version of this release.
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