One worker's death is too many

The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) 
is proposing a "target" of 240 on-the-job deaths per year — a 
reduction of just 20 percent — by 2012. However, this 
announcement only covers "sudden" deaths, and does not include 
the almost 2000 other workers who die each year due to work-
related causes.

The NOHSC readily admits there are over 2000 work-related 
fatalities per year. The majority of these deaths — caused by 
such occupational diseases as cancer — are not included in the 
strategy because they are not "compensatable".

With the interests of employers in mind, the focus is not on the 
death of the worker and the loss to the family — it is about how 
much compensation money is paid out.

The NOHSC's media release lays it out: "Notwithstanding a fall of 
10 per cent from the previous year, there were still almost 
300 work-related compensated fatalities in 2001-2002". 
(emphasis added)

And on workers' injuries: "Every day in Australia on average 280 
workers suffer a work-related injury or disease for which they 
receive compensation".

However, this modest "20 percent reduction by 2012" target will 
be achievable almost by default, as federal and state governments 
introduce laws to strip workers of their compensation rights.

As the NOHSC admits, the only tool it has to punish industries 
and workplaces which don't meet the reduction target is "public 
shame".

Phil Davey, spokesperson for the Construction Forestry and Mining 
Union, said "The Federal Government has failed to deliver 
anything beyond platitudes".

Mr Davey said the millions of dollars used to persecute the 
Construction Union during last year's Cole Commission would have 
been better spent investigating workers' deaths in the industry.

A "zero-tolerance" target on work-related deaths must be adopted 
by governments in Australia.

This strategy must receive adequate funding and the NOHSC must be 
given the teeth to pursue and prosecute negligent companies and 
their directors.