A comprehensive program of intervention activities to take place over the next 12 months has been announced by WorkSafe, targeting the food and beverage, automotive, metals and chemicals industries, among others.
These industries have been determined as being in need of improvement based on workers compensation claims and reported incidents.
WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said looking for potential hazards, consulting and undertaking improvement activity got results.
“Most employers believe WorkSafe should adopt a stronger stance toward those who breach OHS laws, because poor performance undermines those who are doing their best.”
WorkSafe takes a constructive approach to its enforcement work and provides a wide range of services and publications to help businesses and workers understand their safety obligations.
They include:
• a free three-hour safety consultancy which provides independent contractors to small and medium-sized businesses,
• a wide range of publications show how to deal with common hazards in various industries,
• the new industry Hotspots – www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/hotspots – identify the main causes of injury in specific occupations help business operators and workers understand what’s at stake.
• information about improving safety can be found or by calling WorkSafe’s Advisory Service on 1800 136 089.online at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.
Mr Merritt said WorkSafe’s inspection strategy for the next year would use advice and assistance, as well as Improvement and Prohibition Notices, as primary enforcement tools.
“We take a constructive approach which allows every opportunity to get things right. In most cases people use the time given to do what they need to, but in some cases we’re left with no option but to prosecute.
“The commercial and legal consequences of a prosecution mean that even a modest fine of $20,000 can have an enormous impact on a business.
“Taking shortcuts or putting-off essential work plays with lives and commercial viability.
“Getting safety right before we visit and complying with any notices issued means the risk of prosecution is minimised.”
“It can be avoided by not cutting corners and by taking an active role in ensuring everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.
“It’s good for people and it’s good for business.”
2008/09 Planned WorkSafe Intervention Activities
Melbourne Metropolitan Area:
Mordialloc 28 July to 21 August
Thomastown 18 to 22 August (re-visit)
Airport West 8 to 12 September
Ringwood and Croydon 6 to 10 October
Werribee 10 to 14 November
Campbellfield 9 to 13 February
Frankston and Cranbourne 20 to 24 April
Scoresby 11 to 15 May
Provincial Victoria:
Swifts Creek, Omeo and Ensay 4 to 6 August
Walpeup and Underbool 18 to 20 August
Shepparton 16 to 18 September
Swan Hill and Kerang 24 to 28 November
Geelong – Big City Plaza 24 to 28 November
Hamilton (re-visit) 9 to 15 November
Ararat 23 to 27 February
Maryborough 23 to 27 March