The call for a Senate inquiry into silicosis in the workplace is a welcome move that may benefit health and safety of workers.
In principle Labor supports an inquiry and will try to ensure that it is not limited to the issue of sandblasting, but encompasses other situations of exposure to silica in the workplace.
It is ‘interesting’ to note that Senator Humphries’ new-found enthusiasm for occupational health and safety (OH&S) comes in the week when the Howard Government is under fire for their attack on worker’s rights and conditions.
Surely even Senator Humphries knows that it is unionised workplaces that have the best Occupational Health and Safety standards.
Does this signal Senator Humphries change of heart on industrial relations?
In arguing for the rights of workers to be protected from unsafe sandblasting practices, will he, for the sake of consistency, now signal his intention to vote against the Liberal Party’s draconian industrial relations changes and support the role of unions upholding workplace safety standards.
I call on Senator Humphries to make his stance clear and remind him that once again: he can’t have a bob each way on the right of workers to a safe workplace.
Contact: Taryn Langdon 0147 148 059 or 02 6277 3334
