News Release

 

STOP THE DEATHS

 

11 May 2006

A big calendar marking the tragic spate of workplace deaths in the past month will be the focal point of a rally on the steps of Parliament House today.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says the deaths of three men in this week's munitions factory explosion means in a month, 6 workers have lost their lives for the sake of their jobs.

Another three have been seriously injured - two with burns and shrapnel wounds, and another is a paraplegic.

"At this rate we are losing more than one life a week - while others may never work again due to their terrible injuries."

"This has to stop", Ms Giles says.

Today's rally will call on the state government to strengthen occupational health and safety laws to protect workers.

"The federal industrial laws have made it harder to maintain safe work standards.  Workers are reluctant to stand up for safety because they can be sacked."

"Because the federal laws don't promote safety - in fact they specifically prevent employers being liable for industrial manslaughter - it means there is a greater responsibility on the state government to act."

"We want tough action NOW.  That must include -

• Significantly increased penalties for negligent employers

• More action by Workplace Inspectors

• Permission for union officials to enter workplaces for health and safety issues

• Protection from victimisation, and increased training for health and safety officers

• Guaranteed protection for workers who refuse to do unsafe work

• Faster and more thorough investigations of incidents

"Prevention is better than reaction.  Tough action to prevent deaths is what we need," Ms Giles says.

Public Rally - Parliament House, 12.30 11 May.  It will include a minute's silence in remembrance of those killed on the job.