Safety Ambassador Helen Marshall
Background information
I joined the Office of Federal Safety Commissioner (the OFSC) in July 2007 and was appointed to the position of Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) in August 2008. In the 12 months leading up to my appointment, I was Deputy Safety Commissioner. As a career public servant, I have worked in a variety of positions in both South Australia and Canberra as an industrial relations practitioner and human resources manager.
As FSC, my role is to promote and improve occupational health and safety in the building and construction industry.
My key functions include:
• working with industry and government stakeholders towards achieving the highest possible OHS standards on Australian building and construction projects.
• developing and administering the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme)
• helping Australian Government agencies be model clients in relation to OHS.
Why workplace safety is important to me
As Federal Safety Commissioner, I am committed to championing the message that inadequately planned and poorly managed OHS not only costs more in time and money but may cost the lives of workers and devastate families. It is imperative that all stakeholders work collaboratively towards achieving the highest possible OHS standards in the workplace.
My plans for national Safe Work Australia Week
As a Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador I (and my Office) will raise awareness of Safe Work Australia Week 2008 by mentioning it during speeches, presentations and stakeholder meetings. Safe Work Australia Week will also be promoted on the FSC website. We will also have an internal event within the Office so staff take the time to focus on safety.
Why I accepted the role as a national Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador
I was honoured to be invited to be a Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador. Everyone has the ability to influence safety regardless of where they work or their position in an organisation. As an Ambassador I want to reiterate this message and influence others to get involved by thinking and talking about safety.
Page last updated: 18/10/2009