Safety Ambassador Rex Hoy
Background information
Hello, my name is Rex Hoy and I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Safe Work Australia.
I am passionate about workplace safety and am excited to be in a position where I can promote this and persuade people to place safety at the top of their agendas.
At present, the main priority of Safe Work Australia is the harmonisation of the OHS legislation by December 2011.
I have worked for many years on occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation. My previous position as a Group Manager in Workplace Relations Policy in the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) enabled me to deal with policy on Commonwealth OHS and workers’ compensation.
I believe that if all Australians work together in concentrating on safety in their own workplaces then we will be able to reduce death, injury and disease.
Why workplace safety is important to me
I have been interested in the national harmonisation of workers’ compensation and OHS since 2003. I am lucky that in my current position, I am able to work closely with current issues in these areas.
With over 135 000 Australian seriously injured every year and more than 260 deaths as a result of work – related injuries, I believe that it is important that all Australians have the opportunity to work in safe working environments.
Through my work with Safe Work Australia I understand the need to educate and communicate the importance of workplace safety with the need to protect employees and the employer from death or injury.
My plans for national Safe Work Australia Week
The time to look at safety issues around the workplace as well as recognise achievements is during Safe Work Australia Week held from the 25 - 30 October 2009.
All states and territories across Australia will be conducting organised events during this week. Safe Work Australia will also be holding a range of in-house events, encouraging employers and employees to get involved and promote the safe work message.
During this week, I will be encouraging people to get involved by hosting various events.
I will be attending a morning tea to launch Safe Work Australia Week, promoting the Model OHS legislation, explaining the public comment period and informing the audience of the impact this regulatory reform will have.
I will also be attending the launch of the SafeWork ACT Month with the Chair of the Safe Work Australia Council, Mr Tom Phillips AM.
Why I accepted the role as a national Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador
Working as the Chief Executive Officer at Safe Work Australia, I believe that it is necessary to promote the importance of safer workplaces. Everyone deserves to return home safely from a day’s work, and being a Safe Work Australia Week Safety Ambassador I can communicate the important message regarding occupational health and safety to the Australian population.
Safety is everybody’s business.
Page last updated: 21/10/2009