WorkSafe blitz targets workplaces employing machine operators

08 December 2011

WorkSafe inspectors will visit workplaces as part of a six month blitz targeting the way workers operate machinery in a bid to reduce hazardous manual handling injuries.

WorkSafe will visit up to 1000 Victorian manufacturers looking at all aspects of their work including;

• how materials are stored, transported and loaded into machines;
• machine operators’ posture when using machines;
• how the product is retrieved from the machines.

WorkSafe figures show that injuries to machine operators resulted in more than 700 claims for manual handling last financial year. The average claim costs $52,000 in treatment and rehabilitation costs alone.

 WorkSafe’s Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture Director, Ross Pilkington, said slips, trips and falls and manual handling tasks – which involves handling boxes, bags and parts, production work and lifting – accounted for 53% of all claims.

“Not only should workplaces have procedures in place so workers cannot be hurt, employers have the responsibility to ensure workers are supervised and are using safe systems of work,” he said.

“If companies aren’t doing what they are legally required to do, we will take action.”

“That will mean issuing safety improvement notices and prohibition notices which can seriously disrupt operations, but they are designed to ensure safety standards are in place and being applied.”

“If there is non-compliance with notices there is a high likelihood of prosecution.”

“It’s in everyone’s interest to fix issues sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until a WorkSafe inspector arrives or a serious incident to address any concerns.”

“It is far more beneficial for everyone if employers talk to their workers and take the time to look for and fix safety issues as soon as they’re identified.”

“Workplace injuries affect more than just the individual. Families, friends, workmates and the employer all feel adverse outcomes.”

“The wider community also pays because workplace injury insurance costs rise after an incident and this becomes an added business cost which is typically passed back to the community as higher prices for goods and services.”

For more information on how to properly handle machinery, visit: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.