In this feature we focus on some Canberra businesses committed to helping with safe work practices.

Ensuring businesses, events and organisations are conducting safe work practices that adhere to the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Strategy 2022-2032 is no small task. 

The strategy’s “clear, unifying national goal” is to create and promote safe, healthy workplaces in Australia and reduce worker fatalities, injuries and illness.

It says WHS is the “result of combined efforts and a fundamental commitment to collaborations from all governments, industry, and workers and their representatives.” 

Pat’s got the best in top-quality safety gear

With more than 90 years of combined industry experience, Seears Workwear owner Pat Seears says the team is the “biggest and best in the business” when it comes to providing safety gear and equipment. 

“We know what working people are after”, says Pat, who runs the business with his son Shane.

Pat says Seears Workwear has grown to provide one of the largest ranges of workwear in Australia. 

“We have brands such as Akubra, Rockport, Swanndri, Levis, FXD and Timberland just to name a few,” he says. 

Seears first opened in 2002 in a much smaller version of the shop today. Beyond hi-vis clothing, safety boots and safety equipment, it also sells a huge range of outdoor clothing, casual boots, Leatherman tools, ice boxes and torches

“Everything is the best quality from the best manufacturers,” says Pat. 

Located on Barrier Street, he also says they stock a wide range of safety boots, from brands such as Steel Blue, Puma, Blundstone, New Balance and Mongrel. Customers after height safety, safety cones, barriers, safety tapes, spill kits and fire extinguishers are also well catered for.

Seears Workwear can also assist companies through their corporate uniform services, which provide customised embroidery and printing for promotional clothing and business uniforms.

Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Visit seearsworkwear.com.au or call 6280 4111.

Creating an educational change in workplace safety

Specialising in training and industry consultation, Creative Safety Initiatives (CSI) manager, Brian Vernon says the organisation aims to reduce the number and severity of accidents in the workplace.

“CSI is an ACT-based organisation committed to a continuing focus on improving safety standards in the building and construction industry,” he says. 

“We have nationally recognised and accredited training courses, ACT government approved courses as well as non-accredited training courses.”

With an aim to accommodate the busy schedules of those working in the building and construction industry through flexible training modes, Brian says most training can be conducted at a client’s workplace and at a time that suits the organisation. 

With courses ranging from crystalline silica exposure prevention and bullying, harassment and racial vilification training to electrical safety awareness training, CSI delivers more than 25 different courses in its programs. 

Creative Safety Initiatives represents a group of dedicated individuals committed to creating safe work environments and safe communities for workers and, through education, they aim to encourage harm reduction and attitudinal change in safety in the workplace, Brian says.

Creative Safety Initiatives. Unit 7/10, 8 Cape Street, Dickson. Visit csisafety.com.au or call 6230 1320.