Workplace safety is in the spotlight and all for the wrong reasons.

Between January 29 and February 1 this year, there were five workplace fatalities in four days, three of which were in or close to the Western Plains region.

This disturbing statistic is a harsh reminder to employers about ensuring workplace safety and is an unfortunate blow out from the average of around one workplace fatality every week throughout the previous year.

But, of course, even one fatality each week is too many.

“Five deaths in four days is a tragedy and my condolences are with families, friends and colleagues of those who have sadly lost their lives," Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said. “Following a well-deserved break, employees should feel they can come back to work and be safe."

The fatal incidents include

• On 29 January, a 77-year-old man was visiting a factory in Griffith where he was struck by a forklift. The man was rushed to hospital where he died in the following days.
• On 31 January, a 28-year-old man died after falling when he was electrocuted conducting air conditioner repairs in Engadine.
• On 31 January, a 51-year-old man died after he lost control of a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle and was thrown while on a cotton farm in Narromine.
• On 1 February, a truck driver was located unresponsive on the ground of a loading bay in Dubbo.
• SafeWork is also investigating a 1 February fatal motorbike incident on a property 120km east of Tibooburra.

SafeWork NSW say they have also been notified of several workplace incidents which resulted in serious injuries including an incident on 27 January where a construction worker fell around 3-4 metres from a scaffold in Eastwood, resulting in serious head injuries.

With most people back on deck after a summer break, business owners must ensure workers, especially those involved in high-risk areas such as working at heights, electrical and moving plant and machinery, are properly trained and instructed on how to do their job safely.

“Business owners must ensure their employees are always practicing safe work practices, and, as we head into February, these deaths serve as a tragic reminder to make sure workplaces are up to date with safety equipment and compliance," Ms Cotsis said.

If you are a workers with concerns about workplace health and safety, you can anonymously contact SafeWork on 13 10 50 or through the Speak up and save lives app. The app lets you report an unsafe work situations, while giving you the choice to remain anonymous.