26/07/2001

The Hon. Bob Cameron Minister for WorkCover

The Minister for WorkCover, Bob Cameron, today supported the Victorian Injury Surveillance and Applied Research system, a scientific research program that targets and evaluates injury prevention measures. Launching the One-Millionth Case of VISAR, Mr Cameron said injuries represented the main killer of people under 40 years of age, with 37 per cent of all deaths in this age group the result of injuries. Mr Cameron said many injuries occurred between 5 pm and 6 pm. “Weekends and holiday periods are important times for extra care. There are too many injuries at any time and we all have a role to play," he said. "The Bracks Government has undertaken a range of activities in road safety and workplace areas to reduce injury. However, the home is an area where families and the building industry must play a major role," he said. Mr Cameron said that a home could be likened to a building site where daily site safety checks are part of the ongoing schedule of safety. “I would urge people to take the occupational health and safety training they undertake at work into their homes.” Mr Cameron said he had recently launched "WorkSafe", a brand created by the Victorian WorkCover Authority to encourage both employers and workers to adopt safer work practices to reduce workplace hazards, incidents and injuries. He said protecting the health and well being of Victorian workers was an important priority of the Bracks Government. Mr Cameron said that in the home, there needs to be constant surveillance of the physical conditions such as the elimination of hazards including slippery paths and steps, poorly lit areas at night and poor storage of poisons and medications. Mr Cameron congratulated VISAR for their role in providing the community with valuable research information. Media Contact: Paul Conroy (03) 9651 5799 www.vic.gov.au