03:45 pm, Tuesday 13 July, 2010

Sporting facilities are the latest worksites to be targeted by WorkSafe for its inspection campaign.

WorkSafe inspectors have started looking into safety standards of various venues.

The inspections will focus on yacht clubs, bowling greens, bowling alleys and aquatic centres. The program will continue throughout this financial year in both regional and metropolitan areas.

According to WorkSafe Commissioner Nina Lyhne, the aims of the inspections are to raise awareness of the safety risks and make sure employers have the necessary information to comply with the laws.

“This inspection program is part of an ongoing series of proactive inspections aimed at providing employers with information on how to make workplaces safer,” she said.

“Workplaces in the industries covered by this program are being contacted in advance and told that inspectors will be conducting visits, so they should know what will be expected of them.”

Safety issues such as hazardous substances, mobile plant, manual handling, electricity, prevention of falls, machinery guarding and slips, trips and falls will be given extra attention.

Inspectors will also look into safety issues specific to each type of facility.

“Like all WorkSafe’s proactive inspection programs, this one aims to raise awareness and provide information, but inspectors will take enforcement action if necessary,” Ms Lyhne said.

“We firmly believe that raising awareness with proactive campaigns is the best way in which to lessen the risk of work-related injury and illness.”

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know