10:18 am, Friday 22 October, 2010
WorkSafe WA is about to embark on a three-month inspection program to check on the safety standards of moving walks and escalators.
According to WorkSafe Director Health Hazards and Plant Safety John Innes, raising awareness of the safety risks will be the campaigns main thrust.
“This inspection program is part of an ongoing series of proactive inspections aimed at providing employers with information on how to comply with occupational safety and health laws,” he said.
“Escalators and moving walks are used every day by members of the public, and failure to maintain them correctly could potentially have serious consequences for users.”
Starting next week, WorkSafe inspector will look at moving walks and escalators in metropolitan and major regional areas.
The inspection will give particular attention to:
• Ensuring each escalator and moving walk has been design registered and individually registered;
• The maintenance and inspection programs in place;
• The machines’ general condition;
• Records of maintenance, inspection and testing that need to be kept;
• Safety signage.
“Under WA’s occupational safety and health laws, employers have a responsibility to properly maintain items of plant in the workplace, and a duty of care to maintain the safety of everyone who uses these items of plant,” Mr Innes said.
“WorkSafe inspectors have noted that there are many escalators and moving walks in WA workplaces that are used every day by a large number of people and require adequate maintenance.
“They are an important part of a business, and we need to ensure they are being properly maintained and are safe for all users.
“Like all WorkSafe’s proactive inspection programs, the primary aim is to provide information and guidance. However, inspectors will take enforcement action if breaches of the laws are found.
“We firmly believe that raising awareness with proactive campaigns is the best way in which to lessen the risk of work-related injuries.”
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