WorkCover epidemic

WORKERS in the City of Greater Dandenong area had an alarming number of WorkCover claims in the past five years – the second highest in Victoria.
From July 2005 to June 2009, workers within the boundary of the City of Greater Dandenong accounted for almost $166 million in injury claims and medical treatment and rehabilitation costs, second to Melbourne which had almost $182 million in claims.
The figures relate to injuries where the person was off work 10 days or more and/or had treatment costs exceeding $520.
The money was not paid directly to injured workers, but was paid directly to doctors, physios, hospitals, chemists and other providers to pay bills.
WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt said the high number of claims could relate to the area’s population and high proportion of industry, both retail and commercial.
“The area has a higher proportion of industry than others and it’s geographically large with a large number of businesses based there,” he said.
There were 8694 claims made in Greater Dandenong in the five-year period, which is a decrease from the 9981 reported in the area from July 2000 to the end of June 2005.
Though Mr Birt acknowledged the decrease, he said many of the injuries were preventable and encouraged workers to take proper care on their worksites.
“About 60 per cent of the claims would be for manual handling and slips, trips and falls – easily prevented, but not easily fixed,” he said.
Mr Birt said employers should ensure a safe workplace was created and maintained by setting good standards, removing hazardous materials, ensuring everyone was properly trained and supervised, ensuring workers had the proper licences, and engaging in consultations on issues pertaining to safety.
For more information visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or call the free and confidential WorkSafe advisory service on 1800 136 089.