RUGBY League legend and cattle producer Shane Webke is the face of a Queensland state government campaign to heighten awareness about workplace safety.
The former State-of-Origin great, who these days has a farming and cattle operation near Allora on Queensland’s Darling Downs, lost his father at a young age to a workplace accident involving an industrial wool press at his place of employment.
While his message is directed primarily at Queenslanders, the sentiments expressed are relevant across the bush, Australia wide.
Back in 1994, Shane’s career and life were put on hold after his dad was killed at work.
Today, as Queensland’s Safety Ambassador, he is sharing his story in a new safety video, “Playing it safe, with Shane Webcke,” which can be viewed below:
Queensland treasurer and minister for industrial relations, Curtis Pitt, said Shane’s brave film highlighted the importance of work safety.
“Shane knows first-hand the trauma of unexpected losing a loved one and not getting to say goodbye when they leave for an ordinary day’s work,” Mr Pitt said.
“The film details the impact that his father’s preventable death had on the Webcke family and Shane offers advice on how to stay safe at work.”
Shane Webcke took on the role of Queensland Safety Ambassador last year, tasked with raising awareness of the importance of work safety.
“I’m honoured to be Queensland’s Safety Ambassador and have the opportunity to influence people’s attitudes to safety at work,” he said.
“If I can change just one person’s attitude, then it will all be worthwhile. Dad’s workplace death ripped a hole in our family, so I know first-hand that your loved ones should be your most important reason for work safety.”
“I hope sharing my story will prevent other families going through what mine did.”
Queenslanders can meet Shane Webcke at Safe Work Month events being held across the state in October and hear his story in person at:
- Work Health and Safety Breakfast forums
- the Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference
- the Community Breakfast in King George Square, Brisbane
For more information, visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Source: Qld Government.
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