Project 3175 targets manufacturing harm hotspot

Project 3175 will see WorkSafe inspectors converge on Dandenong and surrounds in the coming weeks as part of a two-pronged approach to lift workplace safety standards through workplace visits and education.

Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the manufacturing industry was one of five priority sectors in WorkSafe's sights as part of a five-year plan to reduce fatalities by 30 per cent and injuries by 20 per cent.

"WorkSafe is strategically targeting the industries and hazards linked to the most harm – this includes manufacturing, which makes up around eight per cent of Victoria's workforce but approximately 14 per cent of all workplace deaths and injury claims in the past five years," Mr Jenkin said.

"Project 3175 expands on this targeted approach by further concentrating resources on geographic hotspots so we can help reduce risks where it can really make a difference."

Since 2021, there have been 57 work-related deaths in the manufacturing industry, including seven in postcode 3175. The area was also the scene of 303 of the more than 3,000 manufacturing workers injured on the job last year.

Phase one of the project kicked off in October last year.

Since then, inspectors have completed 341 visits to 225 manufacturing workplaces in Dandenong and surrounds and issued 272 improvement notices to address hazards relating to plant and machinery (including forklifts), guarding, hazardous manual handling, and dangerous goods.

Mr Jenkin said the next phase of Project 3175 would include opportunities for local manufacturing businesses to get independent, tailored expert support to build health and safety awareness in the hotspot.

"Inspectors visiting Dandenong in recent months often heard that things were done a certain way because it was industry practice – but this doesn't always equate to best practice or even base-level compliance," Mr Jenkin said.

"That's why WorkSafe is inviting more Dandenong manufacturing businesses to take advantage of the free support programs we offer to ensure they have the knowledge and capacity to keep their workers safe."

Manufacturing businesses in the 3175 postcode with up to 200 employees can access the Victorian Government's OHS Essentials Program, which offers free, independent and confidential on-site consultations for small businesses.

Employers can also get practical tools and advice from an independent ergonomics and safety expert to help prevent injuries caused by hazardous manual handling by registering for WorkSafe's free manual handling basics workshops.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) Chief Executive Officer Honi Walker said safety was non-negotiable in all workplace environments – whether it be physical, mechanical or psychosocial.

"We advise our members to stay abreast of new regulations and to take advantage of the training and information offered by SEMMA membership and by WorkSafe – we're all in this together," she said.

Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Officer Innes Willox said proactive health and safety prevention programs were critical to protecting workers and ensuring businesses could operate sustainably.

"By partnering with industry and supporting initiatives like Project 3175, we can help businesses identify gaps, assess risks and take meaningful steps to improve safety," Mr Willox said.

"The Australian Industry Group strongly supports our members in building safer workplaces through access to clear, practical guidance – including through our own Health and Safety Resource Centre."