Workplace Safety

Worksafe Victoria calls organization on the need for adequate safety measures

Worksafe Victoria calls organization on the need for adequate safety measures

 

WorkSafe Victoria has renewed calls for employers to not ignore well-known safety measures to avoid joining the 123 companies and directors fined for flouting workplace safety laws in 2022.
Fourteen of those companies were hit with six-figure penalties for breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with the total of all fines imposed by the courts at $5,588,750.

Worksafe Victoria calls organization on the need for adequate safety measures 

Offences involving working at heights saw 35 duty holders prosecuted and fined, as well as inadequate or absent guarding (23) and unsafe, or unsafe use of, machinery (18) and forklifts (11).

WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said simply having the knowledge of safety measures was often not enough.

“Training workers in the safe operation of equipment, using a passive fall prevention device when working at heights, ensuring machines are appropriately guarded and maintained, and erecting physical barriers to separate pedestrians from mobile plant are all proven ways to reduce workplace injuries and deaths,” she said.

Worksafe Victoria calls organization on the need for adequate safety measures 
Worksafe Victoria calls organization on the need for adequate safety measures 

“Employers must actively implement measures to make their workplaces safe.”

Construction (47) and manufacturing (36) matters accounted for two thirds of WorkSafe’s workplace safety prosecutions, while these two industries also accounted for more than a quarter of all accepted worker compensation claims in 2022.

Dr Beer said the lack of care shown for some young workers was particularly shocking.

“It is vital that those who are new to the workforce are adequately supervised and presented with examples of what a safety-first attitude looks like from their employer and other experienced workers,” she said.

“Employers are also responsible for fostering a supportive environment where workers are encouraged to speak up or ask questions when they have safety concerns.”

Temi Badmus

Temi Badmus is a Food scientist and an Art enthusiast. Her desire is to give a listening ear to people and to give an opportunity for everyone to be heard. She's a humorous and controversial writer, who believes all form of writing is audible if its done well. Temi Badmus is research oriented, dog lover; she is currently a mum to two brutal Jack Russell terrier male and female - "Cash" and Indie
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