WorkSafe to visit small businesses in Williamstown

WorkSafe Victoria’s ‘Safer Work Zones’ campaign aims to help small businesses identify basic safety issues. As part of the campaign, inspectors will be visiting small businesses in the Williamstown area in Melbourne’s inner west from 19-23 April.

Businesses will be provided with information and guidance to help make their workplaces safer. The campaign will also focus on what systems small businesses have in place for helping injured workers return to work.

During the visits, inspectors will issue improvement notices where safety concerns are identified. Inspectors will also issue prohibition notices in cases where there is a very serious and immediate risk to workers.

Over the past five financial years, the Hobson’s Bay area has recorded 4859 claims, costing a total of $82.52 million in treatment and rehabilitation costs.

WorkSafe’s Acting Executive Director, Stan Krpan, said: “Businesses are usually receptive to this campaign and understand the importance of providing a safe working environment for their employees. No one wants to see their workers injured on the job, so it’s essential that safety is a top priority in the workplace.

“It’s important that employers and employees work together to regularly review safety issues and address any potential risks. Businesses need to take action before inspectors arrive. I’d encourage all small businesses to be proactive about safety and sign up for a WorkSafe-funded free and independent three-hour safety consultancy at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/smallbusiness.”