Footy legend Shane Webcke gets serious about Safe Work Month
Footy legend Shane Webcke is keener than ever to get heartfelt safety messages to Queenslanders and share why he is such a strong advocate for work safety.
Shane is inviting all Queenslanders to join him for a late breakfast to kick off Safe Work Month in October.
As he enters his sixth year as Queensland’s Safety Ambassador, Shane still loves nothing more than dropping into businesses around the state to speak to workers about why safety is so important to him – and what can happen if it’s overlooked.
For the former champion Broncos prop, the role is personal, as his father was killed by an industrial wool-press he was working on just as Shane’s football career was taking shape.
“I lost my dad in a workplace incident, so I know first-hand that family and loved ones are the most important reason for work safety,” Shane said.
“As Queensland Safety Ambassador, I travel around the state visiting workplaces and sharing my story in the hope I can make people think twice about their own and their mates’ safety, and help workplaces create a positive safety culture.
“I am just as passionate today as I was when I first started in this role about sharing my family’s story and the tragedy that affected us. Hopefully it will open up hearts and minds on the importance of safety.
“Trust me, as a parent, you don’t want your kids to grow up without knowing you and endure everything we went through after dad’s death. It’s horrible, devastating, and sadly, often avoidable.”
“There’s only a few weeks until Safe Work Month starts and there’s plenty of ways to get involved,” Shane said.
‘Everything is online this year so you don’t need to worry about COVID lockdowns bringing last minute changes.
“But it’s the launch on Friday 1 October I’m looking forward to the most – because I’m in it!.
“It’s a virtual event, but get your workmates together at 9am for a late brekkie and I’ll do my best to get you all thinking about your most important reason to work safely.
“You can also have a laugh while celebrity chef Justine Schofield tries to teach me to cook.”
What’s on
- Safe Work Month launch - 1 October
- Safe Work and Return to Work Awards ceremony - Friday 8 October
- Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference - Tuesday 19 October.
- A series of Safe Work Month Short Talks throughout October.
Further information
For more information on Safe Work Month and Shane’s ambassador role, visit worksafe.qld.gov.au