Work is a dangerous place. There are approximately 1.4 workplace deaths per 100,000 and for the mining sector the risks increase to 8.8 workplace deaths per 100,000.

Generally speaking, there is an expectation from employers that their employees will continue to act in an appropriately professional manner even if they have been bereaved.

Employers sometimes underestimate the effect that an illness or death of a colleague has on other workers and may be unaware of what actions may help their bereaved staff.

Information on employee assistance programs can be found here .

Practically, employers can assist their employees in times of trouble by helping them to access information on leave entitlements and payments in a timely manner.

It is also important for employers to make contact with the family or employee as soon as possible and enable other staff to share their condolences with their colleague in a meaningful way.

These are the things that really matter. These gestures make people feel valued and will be noticed and remembered if they fail to occur.

Sending flowers is also an appropriate symbolic gesture of goodwill and respect. Consider also sending more flowers a month after the bereavement has occurred. It is likely that they might be even more appreciated at this time.

Click on the links below to see how these websites and organisations can support your staff and their family through the difficulties that lay ahead.

Workcover

Worksafe

National Association for Loss and Grief

Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement

Lifeline or phone 131114

Griefline Telephone Counselling or phone  03959 67 799 daily from noon until  3 a.m.

Mensline Australia

Kids Help Line

Suicide Help Line

Voice of Industrial Death

Industrial Deaths Support and Advocacy Inc (IDSA) is a not for profit organisation set up to assist those affected by a workplace death.

‘IDSA is an organisation established to assist people whose loved ones have died at work, whether in industry or in any other type of workplace.’

‘This organisation provides at no cost, practical support and assistance for the needs of families and others who have been affected by a workplace death.’