WorkSafe is issuing an urgent call for businesses and workers to remain extra vigilant in the lead up to the busy Christmas period following a horror week where three workers died in tragic circumstances.

A 73-year-old farmer died after he was gored by a bull near Yea last Monday, a 45-year-old man died after he fell from a cherry picker at Lara last Thursday and a 46-year-old man died after he was crushed by a vehicle at a factory in Westmeadows last Friday.

While WorkSafe continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents, Health and Safety Executive Director, Ian Forsyth, said the past week was a grim reminder of the importance of workplace safety.

“Christmas is traditionally about spending time with loved ones and we want to ensure this happens. Every worker deserves to go home at the end of the day. Tragically, 19 workers so far this year didn’t get that opportunity,” he said.

“The devastating consequences of a workplace incident are not only felt by the individual, but by the family, friends and the wider community and can last a lifetime.”

Mr Forsyth said while Victorian workplaces were safer than ever before, more could be done to improve safety standards for workers.

He urged workplaces to remain extra vigilant in the lead up to Christmas, with December being one of the busiest periods for many industries.

“What we have is an influx of young workers about to start work, industries such as hospitality and retail entering their peak season and other businesses finishing off large amounts of work before long term breaks are taken,” he said.

“Unfortunately, when businesses are flat out trying to keep up with demanding workloads, health and safety requirements can sometimes be compromised.”

“We want employers and workers to question what is at stake if corners are cut. It’s simply not worth it.”

Of the 19 fatalities so far this year, 12 have occurred in regional Victoria.

WorkSafe will relaunch its successful ‘Homecomings’ campaign to help highlight the most important reason for making a workplace safe is not at work at all.

The campaign, which plays a Dido tune and shows a young boy bouncing his basketball while waiting outside for his dad to come home as his mum grows increasingly nervous about her husband’s whereabouts, will air on December 11.

“We’re calling on Victorian workplaces to stop, think and take action about improving safety. Simple steps make a real difference to individuals, families and businesses,” Mr Forsyth said.

“We’re talking about general basic matters that can be fixed at little or no cost, but if left undone can have devastating consequences.”

Mr Forsyth also urged young workers entering the workforce to ask questions about any issues or concerns they may have and called on employers to ensure they provided proper induction, training and supervision.

In the 2010/11 financial year, 2,775 Victorian workers aged 15-24 were injured badly enough at work to make a compensation claim. Overall, 29,628 Victorians made a compensation claim last financial year.

The ‘Homecomings’ campaign will end on January 7. For health and safety guidance, please visit: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au