Workplace safety blitz

WORKSAFE has launched a state-wide safety blitz targeting the most dangerous industries.
WorkSafe’s operations general manager Lisa Sturzenegger said the blitz would target industries that accounted for a quarter of all workplace claims last year.
“Despite years of working with these industries, we are finding that we are not getting the traction we know is possible by addressing some basic safety concerns,” Ms Sturzenegger said.
The food manufacturing and processing, wood product manufacturing, fabricated metal, transport equipment manufacturing, plastics and rubber manufacturing, road transport, warehousing and storage and residential aged care industries will all receive visits during the campaign.
Almost 40 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing industry is located within Greater Dandenong.
“To have a quarter of all claims in Victoria come from fewer than 3000 businesses within these industries show they need to do more to improve health and safety in the workplace,” Ms Sturzenegger said.
“They are well aware of their obligations and they have the information needed to address health and safety risks.”
WorkSafe inspectors will visit more than 4000 businesses in the target industries over the next year and issue notices to workplaces which fail to meet their health and safety obligations.