Safety initiative reduces work injuries in SA

South Australian Industrial Relations Minister Paul Caica recently released the first available results on SafeWork SA’s Industry Improvement Program, which began in April 2007, outlining the significant improvement in the number of work-related injuries: “This program targets industry sectors and employers found to have contributed disproportionately to workplace injury and illness claims in South Australia. The results show a very encouraging improvement within the first group targeted: 169 medium-sized worksites including residential care facilities, supermarkets, factories and construction sites.”

By June 2008 (just over a year after the program started), there was a 16.2% reduction in all claims (July 2006–June 2008). This compares with a 5.1% reduction for all WorkCover registered employers over the same period. There was also a 21.2% reduction in income maintenance claims (July 2006–June 2008). This compares with a 10.5% reduction for all WorkCover registered employers over the same period.

Using specific and tailored strategies for small, medium and large businesses, the Industry Improvement Programme provides information, advice, education and, where necessary, enforcement actions to foster a systematic approach to managing health and safety.

“SafeWork SA also received highly positive feedback from the employers who participated in the medium-sized employer strategy,” continued Caica. “In a telephone survey of employers, 99% of respondents reported they were satisfied with the standard of service provided and 93% made a change to their policies and procedures as a result of being involved in the strategy.

“The initial results of this intervention program point towards an improved and more effective workplace safety culture in South Australia.”

The Industry Improvement Program will continue throughout 2009.