WorkSafe Victoria has launched a new campaign reminding people of workplace-related hazards and risks that go beyond the COVID-safe practices.
Launching the campaign, Minister for Workplace Safety, Ingrid Stitt said WorkSafe’s message was direct: “Trip, Fall, Break, Burn, Mangle, Shock, Sever, Paralyse, Kill. Some brutal reminders of why you need to keep focused on workplace safety.”
“Tragically 45 Victorians have lost their lives at work since January this year – this is highest in the construction, manufacturing and agriculture sectors,” Ms Stitt said.
“Trips and falls also remain a leading contributor to death and serious injury, with incidents this year tragically claiming eight lives,” she said.
“We know the pandemic has changed how many workplaces operate and how staying COVID-safe is vital, but it’s also important to stay focused on reducing the risk of other workplace incidents and injuries.”
Ms Stitt reminded employers that they had a positive duty to ensure their workplace was free from risks and hazards that may result in death or serious injury.
“Not keeping the focus on safety can have tragic consequences – WorkSafe inspectors continue to be out in force with the power to take action against those who are putting their workers’ safety at risk,” she said.
“WorkSafe inspectors are working to ensure that employers and other duty holders are meeting very strict obligations to provide safe workplaces, including COVID-safe practices, and will take action against employers putting workers’ safety at risk.”
The Minister said manual handling continued to be the major cause of workplace injury and accounted for more than 6,400 injury claims so far this year.
Ms Stitt said musculoskeletal and traumatic joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries were the most common workplace injuries and accounted for more than half of all claims.
