Remembrance service for Ben Catanzariti
21 July 2022
A service was held today at the National Workers Memorial in tribute to Ben Catanzariti. Ben died 10 years ago as a result of a workplace incident on a construction site in Kingston.
Together with Ben’s mum, Kay Catanzariti, and his family, WHS Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, laid a wreath at the Memorial, followed by a minute of silence.
At the service, Commissioner Agius made a statement in honour of Ben, and of all workers who never made it home.
“At WorkSafe ACT we honour Ben and the other workers who have died because of their work, by never forgetting, by coming together to remember and by doing better in our efforts to safeguard the lives of all workers, everywhere in every industry, in every workplace.”
The Commissioner also directly addressed, Kay Catanzariti, and her tireless work and continued advocacy over the past decade.
“Kay, I say this to you - on Ben’s tenth anniversary, you are more than an advocate. You are more than just a mum of a boy who lost his life. You are the mum of Ben and Jack. I have listened to you, I have heard you, I have felt your pain and your despair, and I am sorry.”
At the service, Commissioner Agius announced the release of the recommendations from the Work Health and Safety Prosecutions Review.
“This review has resulted in 12 recommendations which if implemented, will further strengthen the legislative, policy and operational framework in which we work and will provide a sustainable and solid foundation to hold those who breach work health and safety laws to account.“
The Review was conducted by independent reviewer, Marie Boland, on behalf of WorkSafe ACT. She is pleased to have been able to engage such a broad range of stakeholders to provide their unique perspectives on dealing with WHS prosecutions in the ACT.
“I hope that the WHS Council are able to use the report and its recommendations to propose changes for the consideration of the ACT Government.”
Information on the Work Health and Safety Prosecutions Review and the list of recommendations are available on the WorkSafe ACT website.
Statement ends.
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