Safety campaign to reduce wounds in SA manufacturing industry

From 1 March 2021, SafeWork SA will launch a safety awareness campaign to reduce wounds, lacerations, amputations and/or organ damage. Injuries relating to wounds, lacerations, amputations and/or organ damage represent one of the large injury claim groups affecting the fabricated metal production industry sector. In recent years, this industry sector has seen a consistent rise in the number of work-related injuries in South Australia.

Information from ReturnToWorkSA and Safe Work Australia has found that injury claims have risen steadily over the last four years in the fabricated metal production industry sector. Additionally, 2018–2019 saw a 17% increase in injury claims from the previous year. Safe Work Australia has also defined the manufacturing industry sector as a national health and safety priority.

As part of the campaign, safety inspectors will visit manufacturing businesses across the state to audit the safety control measures in place to protect workers. Inspectors will also work with businesses to ensure compliance with government and industry standards, and that WHS regulations are maintained.

Businesses must identify all hazards specific to their workplace, with appropriate control measures in place to prevent or reduce the risk of harm to workers in the public. The campaign supports the 2012–22 Australian Work Health and Safety strategy with the manufacturing industry identified as a priority industry.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Виталий Сова