Building the ability for businesses to create safer, happier and healthier environments based on advice fromleading WHS experts is the aim of an event in Newcastle in March.
The 2018 NSW Regional Safety Conference & Expo provides an opportunity for regionally-based Workplace Health and Safety professionals seeking fresh insight, new tools and connections to help address the high cost of work-related injury and illness.
Conference Organiser, Sarah-Jane Dunford said practical solutions and greater awareness were the keys to better safety outcomes.
“Data shows that there were over 530,000 work-related illnesses and injuries in NSW alone in 2015 and in 2016 NSW recorded the highest number of workplace fatalities– that’s 53 people who didn’t make it home from work,” Sarah-Jane said.
“Adding to this, work-related stress is estimated to cost Australian businesses $10.6 billion per year in lost productivity and sick days; it’s a huge burden on businesses and one that needs greater attention.”
The conference will focus on general workplace safety, mental health, hygiene, wellbeing, resilience, technology and leadership and offer a line-up of global national and local speakers. The two-day event will feature a wide range of presentations, including keynote speakers, panel discussions, targeted sessions andmasterclasses.
The exhibition element of the event will give attendees access to valuable information, test products and speak directly with industry representatives. Networking opportunities will provide industry professionals access toa wide range of knowledgeable peers and organisational representatives.
Sarah-Jane said the decision to host the NSW Regional Safety Conference & Expo in Newcastle was astrategic one.
“Deciding to host the conference in a regional location provides an overall lower price point for attendees and their organisations, without diminishing the quality of the event,” Sarah-Jane said.
“Newcastle is easily accessible by road, rail or plane and there are a wide range of accommodation options close by the brand-new conference venue, Wests NEX, in the heart of the city.
“Plus, Newcastle is a stunning part of the world, with so many leisure activities available to enjoy before or after the event.”
The 2018 NSW Regional Safety Conference & Expo will be held from Thursday 15 to Friday 16 March at Wests NEX, King Street, Newcastle.
