Safety inspections for Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria will conduct more than 100 workplace inspections in the Moe, Newborough and Trafalgar area later this month as part of an ongoing safety campaign.

According to WorkSafe Victoria, in the last five years more than 400 workers were injured in the Moe region, costing over $12 million in treatment and rehabilitation.

The Safe Towns campaign is designed to ensure local workplaces have the necessary tools to make informed decisions about health and safety and to make sure employers understand their legal obligations.

The inspections will take place from 17–21 August.

WorkSafe Regional Operations Manager Phil Grimson said hazardous and high-risk workplaces would be the focus of the safety campaign.

“Inspectors will be concentrating on workplace dangers that can lead to serious injuries from potentially high-risk practices such as handling chemicals, working with electrical equipment and manual handling,” Grimson said.

“Workshops in particular are dangerous environments because of the tools and machinery used on a daily basis. Employers must ensure workers are trained on how to safely do their job and that work is supervised.”

WorkSafe Inspectors will also be providing advice on how to prevent injuries through good work practices.

“More than 19% of workplace injuries in the greater Moe region since 2008–09 have occurred in the manufacturing sector. Of these injuries, the majority were strains and sprains caused by poor manual handling,” said Grimson.

“Inspectors will help identify things like poor workshop layouts that cause workers to move awkward objects between machines for processing that could result in manual handling-related injuries.”

Businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to speak to WorkSafe inspectors during their visit to ensure they fully understood their workplace obligations.

“Employers across the Moe region are invited to attend our free information luncheon, prior to the workplace visits commencing, to learn about what inspectors will be focused on and how to overcome safety challenges. By seeking advice early, you can ensure you’re prepared for a knock at the door,” Grimson added.

The free employer luncheon will be held from noon on Wednesday 5 August, at the Moe Racing Club, Waterloo Road, Moe. Registrations for attendance can be lodged online at worksafe.vic.gov.au/towns.

Source