Safety Is Apples In Orange

A new $2.6 million rural safety package, protection for union right of entry and Codes of Practice to enshrine workers' safety have been the highlights of a major NSW OHS conference held in the central western city of Orange.

Delegates to the NSW Workplace Safety Summit in the state's central west finalised action plans to improve health and safety in NSW workplaces.

Union delegates spoke of the need to protect the right of entry for union officials from federal changes to workplace laws.

The co-operative approach between unions, employers, government and occupational health and safety experts to develop new plans for nine industry sectors brought praise from the state minister responsible for workplace safety..

"I congratulate all involved for dedicating themselves to this task and for making the Summit productive and effective," said Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca "I am sure the action plans that will be produced will save lives, prevent injuries and improve productivity and profitability."

The conference saw vigorous debate between delegates on how best to tackle workplace safety.

"We know that workplace death and injury draws passionate responses - and delegates have demonstrated that in the working groups and the plenary sessions," said Della Bosca. "Debate has been vigorous and constructive."

Premier Morris Iemma opened the Summit at the Orange Ex-Services Club, announcing a new $2.6 million rural safety package. The initiative includes a new rebate scheme to help farmers fit life-saving power take-off guards on tractors.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:38 EST