Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government
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Released 12/12/2025 – Joint media release
WorkSafe ACT is joining with the Suburban Land Agency to highlight the importance of safety on worksites, and to ask workers to consider what’s important to them at this time of year.
Each year, these two agencies join forces to raise awareness of the heightened safety risks that can occur on construction sites when workers are potentially fatigued and under pressure as the year draws to a close.
Minister Berry is calling on everyone in the construction industry to prioritise their safety and wellbeing in the lead up to the holiday period.
“We all understand how pressure to complete key projects before the end of the year can mount, but no deadline is worth risking your safety, and that of the community,” Minister Berry said. “That’s why we’re highlighting safety at Suburban Land Agency’s residential construction sites at Jacka and Whitlam, to remind everyone of what’s important – which is arriving home safe at the end of every day.”
Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations Michael Pettersson urges every worker and every employer to pause and put safety first.
“No job is more important than your wellbeing, and no deadline is worth the cost of an injury.”
“Let’s all commit to looking out for one another so everyone can get home safely to the people and moments that matter most,” Minister Pettersson said.
The 2025 campaign urges workers not to trade the things that are important to them for a deadline. For Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius that means time with her new puppy, family and maybe a good book. She is asking others to reflect on what matters to them.
“People across the Territory are working hard, and many are feeling the pinch as the end of the year approaches. When work demands and deadlines build, that pressure can lead to fatigue, and even a momentary lapse in safety can have tragic consequences.
“As you plan your work at this time of year, take a moment to think about what a lapse in safety could mean,” Commissioner Agius said.
Fatigue can come from heavy workloads, tight deadlines, or physically, emotionally, or mentally demanding tasks. It affects how you think and act, increasing the risk of mistakes and incidents. It slows reaction times, reduces concentration, and makes decision-making and communication harder. When you are fatigued even routine tasks become more hazardous.
The WorkSafe ACT and Suburban Land Agency campaign will include messaging across social media, and also physical signage at worksites in Jacka and Whitlam over the months of December and January.
– Statement ends –
Yvette Berry, MLA | Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases