New mobile reporting system launched to promote worker's safety

The NSW government has launched a new mobile reporting system aimed at reducing dangerous work practices and risks to workers’ safety.

The system, known as ‘Speak Up. Save Lives’, is accessed via mobile devices and allows workers to send up to three photos to SafeWork NSW showing the unsafe practice or high-risk situation.

If the user provides their contact details, they will be sent a receipt of the concern lodged via email or text, however reports can be made anonymously. It also features a GPS locator.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said the new mobile reporting tool will make it easy for workers who see workplace risks which could lead to injury or death to send photos of dangerous conditions they see straight to SafeWork NSW. 

“The new Speak Up reporting tool will give workers an easy, protected and fast way to report any work health and safety problems they may be facing, direct to SafeWork NSW from their mobile device,” Anderson said. 

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone should feel confident they can report unsafe conditions. This new tool provides another way for workers to notify SafeWork NSW of a safety concern which may impact their own wellbeing and that of their work mates.” 

The scheme was backed by the family of construction apprentice Christopher Cassaniti, 18, who died at Macquarie Park in north-west Sydney on April 1 this year when a 15-metre tower of scaffolding fell on top of him at the site of the developer Greenland. 

Anderson added that the system does not replace the existing need for workers to report unsafe work practices to employers or to SafeWork NSW.

Businesses are still required to report all notifiable incidents, including death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident, by calling 13-10-50 immediately. 

“Having seen the devastation workplace deaths and serious injury can have on the community, I would like to see workers play a more active role in making workplaces safer so everyone makes it home at the end of their shift,” Anderson said. 

SafeWork NSW have stated that they will review all complaints and take action based on the level of risk present. 

Speak Up. Save Lives’ has been developed as a progressive web app providing a quick and easy experience for customers, however it will also be available from app stores in the new year.