Road freight transport industry OHS committee

Established in 1998, the primary focus of the Road Transport SAfer Industries Committee has been to develop and distribute important Occupational Health Safety and Welfare (OHS&W) resources to assist the industry to meet its duty of care and to encourage safe work environment and culture.

Strategic plan

South Australia's road transport industry has released a new strategic plan aimed at improving the sector's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) performance.

The 2004-2006 Strategic Plan was launched in Adelaide by Mitsubishi Motors Limited President and CEO Tom Phillips, supported by SAfer Industries Road Freight Transport OHS Committee Chair Ron Kuczmarski. In launching the plan, Mr Phillips said senior management must set the example for safety.

"The health and safety of employees is an important responsibility for every employer," said Mr Phillips.

"When an employee hurts himself, it doesn't just affect that individual. It also dramatically affects their family, their lifestyle and also it affects the bottom line."

"I strongly believe it is through implementing plans like this, that we will improve the management of health and safety in all industries, especially ones where occupational health and safety is such a major issue."

Costs

The road freight transport sector had almost 2,700 workplace injury and illness claims in the three years to June 2004 at a total cost of $38.5 million and resulting in 153,000 days lost. Claim costs equate to 2.87 per cent of remuneration paid by the sector.

The new plan focuses on developing a safe work environment and culture in the industry. Its initiatives are closely aligned with the 2002-2012 National Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Strategy.