SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell is issuing a serious reminder to all workers and businesses to stay focused on safety in the lead-up to the festive season.

Over the weekend, SafeWork SA was notified of a workplace fatality, a serious injury resulting in amputation, and a fall when working at height.

“As we approach the end of the year, we remind everyone of the importance of keeping a focus on safety in the workplace,” said Mr Campbell.

”Take time when completing tasks, as rushing and taking shortcuts increases the chance of an incident occurring”.

In the days leading up to Christmas, workers and employers may feel under pressure to get jobs completed prior to the holiday period.

A common factor in many of these end of year incidents is rushing to finish the job before going on leave.

Last Saturday 14 December, a fatality occurred when a 51 year old man fell 6.5 metres when working at height on a shed roof.

A second fall from height was reported to SafeWork SA over the weekend with a man falling from height from a pergola at a residential site.

A third serious incident was notified when a worker at a manufacturing business sustained serious injury resulting in amputation of an arm.

“Nine South Australian workers have died this year to date due to work-related incidents. Any death is one too many,” said Mr Campbell.

“This means nine families are facing a heart-breaking Christmas without their loved ones. We want every South Australian to get home safely to their family and friends every day.”