Injured workers and those who have lost loved ones in workplace incidents will continue to help shape support services and NSW workplace policy with the Family and Injured Workers Support Group (FIWSG) remaining in place until December 2022.
FIWSG is an independent advisory body that works with SafeWork to engage with affected persons through targeted and constructive consultation to improve service delivery.
FIWSG also provides advice and makes recommendations to SafeWork about the support needs of affected persons.
The group is an advocate for Work Health and Safety (WHS) in the community through actively contributing to the development and dissemination of WHS messages, as well as networking with others in similar circumstances and engaging with people affected by serious workplace incidents.
The FIWSG group is headed up by Ambassador Darren Flanagan, who is known for his critical role in assisting with the rescue mission of two miners trapped more than 900 metres underground during the 2006 Beaconsfield Goldmine collapse in Tasmania.
“In the past 12 months, the group has shared their insights and experiences regarding safe work issues. I’m extremely impressed by their commitment to make a difference and help those walking the path they have,” Flanagan said.
Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the group had provided invaluable insight and advice for those affected by workplace incidents, and advocating for increased workplace safety.
“To lose a loved one in a workplace incident or suffer an injury yourself is a harrowing ordeal and SafeWork NSW is committed to minimising harm in the workplace, so for this reason we should always listen and learn from the experiences of survivors,” Petinos said.
“The Family and Injured Workers Support group is a forum where those impacted by a workplace injury or death can work side-by-side with the NSW Government to better support the health and safety of NSW workers.
“Since its establishment in 2020, there have been many valuable insights gained due to the brave contributions of this group, including improving access to support and resources available for injured workers and those who have lost loved ones due to a workplace incident.”
SafeWork NSW receives ongoing advice from the members regarding the information and support needs a person affected by a workplace incident may have, service delivery improvements, and advocating for work health and safety.