Would OSHA get your attention if it copied this Tasmanian program?
September 11, 2012 by Fred HosierPosted in: Compliance, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, OSHA news
PDF What would be the first thing that crossed your mind if someone reported an injured worker? It would probably be, “Oh ****.” And that’s part of the reason why Tasmania has named its new workplace health and safety campaign …
“OH S…”
It’s also a play on the acronym for Occupational Health and Safety.
In a press release, Tasmania’s Minister for Workplace Relations, David O’Bryne, said, “OH S… is the understandable gut reaction of any worker, manager or business owner when they hear there’s been an accident in the workplace.”
The idea is that, to prevent having an “OH S…” moment, being proactive is the key.
And O’Byrne would like businesses in Tasmania to be proactive by preparing for the new workplace health and safety law that goes into effect in January 2013. Under the new law, the definition of “worker” becomes broader.
“Bland advertising often fails to capture people’s attention,” according to O’Bryne. “This campaign takes a more irreverent approach.”
It seems business owners have already been getting the message and preparing for the new law. More than 1,000 people have already attended free WorkSafe Tasmania information sessions.
The first blog post I saw about the campaign certainly got my attention. When I saw, “S*** safety campaign launched in Australia,” (with the four-letter word spelled out), I thought someone left the letter “f” out of the word “shift.” That alone got me to click on the post.
But then again, worker fatigue always has been one of my main safety interests, so I would have read something about “shift safety” anyway.
But what about you? Do you think this is a good way to draw attention to occupational safety? Would it get your attention? Would it get your workers’ attention? Should U.S. OSHA adopt the slogan?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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September 11th, 2012 at 9:10 am
Certainly got my attention!
September 18th, 2012 at 8:09 am
ABSOLUTELY NOT! As a workplace safety program; I would find this titling very offensive. Profanity or vulgarity is completely UNnecessary to make a point. The usage of profanity in communication is a lacking of vocabulary to explain a thought. Very unprofessional and discourteous to those the subject is intended for. Think about it: Other than the snickering & comments of “Well I guess they got their point across” what would the response be IF the President of the United States, Donald Trump, or a highly thought of CEO during a speech was to insert profanity to get THEIR point across? REALLY…why should it even be given consideration. Profane or vulgar speech is NOT the sign of either education or intellegence. Tasmania’s Minister for Workplace Relations apparently has very little respect toward his work force audience. I understand his desire to “think outside the box” and desire to GET the attention of the work force however; using vulgarity…come on…invest in a Thesaurus. Give them the respect & treat them as educated, intellegent individuals.
September 18th, 2012 at 9:24 am
When you say “Sh&t Safety Campaign launched..”, It just makes me think when I read it that whoever they’re talking about had a crappy safety campaign and that’s why it’s making news.
September 18th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Good ole Aussies, they call as it is….. (laugh).