GREATER Dandenong has topped the state for reported workplace injuries from machinery and equipment, the latest WorkSafe statistics show.
The municipality’s workplaces accumulated 780 claims for amputations, crushings, cuts and other injuries between July 2007-June 2012, totalling $20.2 million in claims.
The claims were for injuries that caused a person to miss at least 10 days’ work or had treatment costs of more than $580.
They didn’t include self-employed people or self-insured firms.
WorkSafe’s health and safety operations general manager Lisa Sturzenegger said too many workers were being hurt by unguarded and unsafe machines.
She announced that WorkSafe inspectors were “upping the ante on employers to control dangerous machines”.
“We know they’re essential to many businesses but they can be dangerous and must be controlled.”
WorkSafe estimates it costs up to $5000 to prevent finger and arms being crushed by machinery.
Details: worksafe.vic.gov.au/plant.
