Anyone but unions listening to workplace safety statements?

Wise words from one of our favourite safety bloggers: Kevin Jones, of the SafetyatWork blog out of Australia, just wrote about "Safety, Whistleblowers and Media Disinterest." He blogged that he's discouraged by the lack of mainstream media coverage on government support of workplace safety, but understands the reason:

"Given that neither the [Australian Labor Party] or the Premier’s office has released the Premier’s speech almost a week after the event, it can only be assumed that the comments were intended for the union audience at the conference and were said, mainly, to have something to say."

Over the years, I've been to many workplace safety events where government and union join together in their condemnation of workplace safety and health risks. Wonderful support by these two sectors, which I really appreciate. But, naturally, they're preaching to the converted; where are the TV cameras, newspaper reporters, radio mikes? Where is the general public and private-sector employers at these events?

I agree with my fellow blogger, Kevin, when he writes: "... any support for OHS [occupational health and safety] is welcome, but if anyone makes a positive comment on workplace safety, let them be loud and proud about it. The OHS profession and worker safety needs the profile."

Amen, brother-in-Commonwealth!