The run in to Christmas and the Jobs at Home Day Campaign

It is a sad but true fact that workers are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in the months of November and December than at any other time. According to statistics from WorkSafe Victoria that cover the past decade, almost 25 per cent of all workplace fatalities occurred in November and December. Across Australia the story is similar with each regulator issuing regular warnings and planning blitzes on certain activities and industries.

The last two months of the year are always busy with employers rushing to meeting deadlines and complete projects before the Christmas shutdown. No deadline is worth someone's life. Employers need to recognise this increased risk and take the necessary steps to talk with workers and work together to ensure that hazards and risks are controlled. A simple course of action could be as outlined below:

• Stop;
• Think;
• Plan; and
• Act safely.

These simple steps could mean the difference between life and death.

To reinforce the core message of Victorian workers returning home safe every day, WorkSafe Victoria has launched its annual initiative "Jobs at Home Day." This campaign asks Victorians to create and order a custom badge to wear to work on Friday December 8th which is the official Jobs at Home Day. The badge is a focal point to remind us to be safe at work so that we can go home to the jobs that need us the most. This fun initiative is in its fifth year and some examples of jobs at home that only you are qualified to do could be:

• Hide & Seek Specialist;
• Spider Removal Technician and;
• Chief Homework Advisor.

Badges and a workplace toolkit can be ordered from https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/campaigns/jobs-at-home-day-2017