The NSW Government has launched a new service standard for handling workplace incidents in order to improve transparency and communication with impacted parties.
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said the new service standard, SafeWork NSW’s Incident response and investigations, details a service commitment to people directly involved in a workplace incident, including the person injured, the next of kin and duty holders.
“Investigations into workplace fatalities, injuries, illnesses and other safety risks are complex and it takes time for SafeWork NSW to determine whether the investigation will lead to a prosecution and legal proceedings,” Minister Anderson said.
“The service standard provides clarity around the progress and status of investigations, so that victims, families and colleagues aren’t kept in the dark.”
“This document also clearly outlines each stage of the investigation and formalises the regular, pro-active communication you can expect to receive from SafeWork,” he said.
The new customer service standard will be discussed at today’s meeting of the Family and Injured Worker Support Group, a 12 member group established by the NSW Government.
The group gives injured workers and those who have lost loved ones an opportunity to help shape the State Government’s response to workplace incidents and provide feedback about how it can enhance its support services to affected people.
Minister Anderson commented that the group will determine whether the document does its job when it comes to improving how SafeWork handles workplace incidents.
“We will continue working alongside the group to make positive changes to how we operate,” he added.
