Victorians who have been affected by a serious workplace incident will be given the opportunity to directly shape important workplace safety reforms and initiatives.

The Victorian Government today called for expressions of interest from people affected by workplace fatalities, serious injuries and serious illness to participate in the newly formed Workplace Incidents Consultative Committee.

The group will strengthen the voices of those who have faced the trauma and ongoing challenges of losing a loved one or suffering a serious injury or illness on the job.   

Participants will provide advice to the Minister for Workplace Safety on how best to support injured workers and their families, prevent serious workplace incidents and make Victorian workplaces safer.  

The Government has provided $4 million over four years to support the work of the Committee and put its recommendations into practice.

This fund is part of the Government’s $10 million package to increase the support available to workers and families who have been affected by serious workplace incidents and strengthen workplace safety laws.

The Committee is being established as part of the tough new workplace manslaughter laws that were introduced one year ago today and came into effect on 1 July 2020.

It was developed in close consultation with families to empower those affected by serious workplace incidents to advocate for change.

Expressions of interest can be submitted at vacancies.publicboards.vic.gov.au until 22 November 2020.