10:28 am, Saturday 8 December, 2012

WorkSafe is conducting an inspection program to check on safety issues associated with retail hardware and building suppliers.

WorkSafe Director Joe Attard said the inspections would focus on raising awareness of potential safety risks and making sure that employers possess the information required to comply with laws.

“All our proactive inspection programs aim to provide employers with the information they need to make their workplaces safer,” said Mr Attard.

“Inspectors will be focusing on general areas of electricity, emergency egress, slips and trips on uneven surfaces, evacuation procedures, personal protective equipment, first aid equipment and hazardous substances.

Inspectors will also focus on issues specific to the retail hardware and building suppliers industries such as manual tasks, objects falling from heights such as racking and shelving, forklift safety and high risk work licences.

A checklist will aid inspectors during inspection to ensure consistency.

“The retailing of hardware and building supplies presents a number of specific risks,” said Mr Attard.

“Foremost among these are manual handling injuries suffered when handling heavy items of hardware and stacking racks or shelving, the risks associated with mobile plant such as forklifts and trucks, and working at heights on ladders.

“Although the aim of the program is to raise awareness and provide information, inspectors will take enforcement action if necessary.

“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.”

The program will continue throughout the remainder of the financial year.

Further information can be obtained through the WorkSafe WA website.

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02:58 pm, Friday 7 December, 2012

Photo: SafetyCulture Library

Following SafetyCulture’s story on the inspections conducted by WorkSafe on ACT construction industry, Work safety commissioner Mark McCabe says the surprise inspections particularly at an apartment building in New Acton was prompted by complaints of poor safety practices received by the agency.

The construction site in Canberra’s city centre is due to be finished on Monday. According to ABC News, the apartment and commercial complex has been dubbed a red flag site by the work safety watchdog because of several safety compliance issues.

The site was shut down in October after a worker fell down a shaft and received serious injuries.

Mr McCabe confirmed that WorkSafe is considering taking the construction company responsible for the site construction to court for alleged safety breaches.

Eight WorkSafe inspectors who surveyed the site found several safety issues.

“Associated with falls from heights, trip hazards, issues to do with site security,” said Mr McCabe.

He also said the company even violated basic requirements like keeping a worksite clean.

“There was rubbish everywhere,” he said.

Mr McCabe also said safety watchdog’s move is a new approach after the damning report last month where the state’s construction industry was considered most dangerous in the country. Read SafetyCulture report.

Prohibition and improvement notices were issued. The company was also fined for failing to ensure that all its subcontractors were accredited to work on construction sites.

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12:09 pm, Friday 23 November, 2012

An inspection program targeting safety issues related to manual tasks in WA independent supermarkets is being conducted by WorkSafe.

Workplaces included in the program include independently-operated supermarkets that are not part of national chains, including IGA, Supa IGA, Farmer Jacks and Food Works stores.

This program will happen throughout the remainder of the financial year both in metropolitan and regional areas.

WorkSafe Director Joe Attard said on Thursday that the inspections would focus on promoting awareness of possible safety risks and ensuring that employers had the information required 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,” said Mr Attard.

WorkSafe defines manual tasks as any activity that requires a person to use their body to perform work, including manual handling, repetitive actions, adopting awkward or sustained postures and tasks that expose workers to vibration.

Supermarket workers are susceptible to risk factors arising from activities such as handling heavy, awkward or bulky loads, repetitive actions such as scanning at checkouts, working under time pressures and working in cold environments.

The risks can be reduced by using automated equipment or by re-designing or modifying the workplace or tasks, or by substituting safer systems of work.

Inspectors will conduct inspections using a checklist to ensure consistency.

“Supermarkets present a number of specific risks,” said Mr Attard. “Foremost among these are manual handling injuries suffered when handling heavy items or performing repetitive tasks.

“Other causes for concern in this industry sector include training, especially of young workers, and the use of mobile equipment such as forklifts.

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

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

Further information about the safety inspections is available on the WorkSafe WA website.

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03:39 pm, Monday 19 November, 2012

Worksafe’s current inspection program will focus on the freight forwarding industry.

WorkSafe Director Joe Attard said on Friday that workplace inspections will focus on raising awareness of potential safety risks and ensuring that employers had the information required 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,” said Mr Attard.

Inspectors will focus on general areas of electricity, emergency egress, slips and trips on uneven surfaces, evacuation procedures, personal protective equipment, first aid equipment and hazardous substances.

They will also be concentrating on issues more specific to this industry including manual tasks, load restraint (falling objects), working at heights, forklift safety, safe movement of vehicles and traffic management and high risk work licences.

“Workplaces where freight forwarding is carried out present a number of specific risks,” said Mr Attard.

“Foremost among these are manual handling injuries suffered when handling items of freight and machinery, and risks associated with mobile plant such as forklifts and trucks.

“Other causes for concern in this industry sector include being hit by objects falling from trucks and racking, and working at height on the backs of trucks or on ladders or elevated work platforms.

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

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04:12 pm, Friday 5 October, 2012

A total of 75 improvement notices were issued by WorkSafe inspectors to Swan Hill businesses during the ‘Safe Towns’ inspection held last week.

Inspectors visited 60 workplaces between September 17-21 to check on health and safety compliance. WorkSafe Return to Work inspectors were also there to ensure businesses with workers’ compensation claims were meeting their obligations.

Improvement notices which required businesses to settle health and safety issues within a set timeframe were issued for matters involving forklift traffic management, storage and racking, personal protective equipment and handling and storage of dangerous goods.

Another 19 health and safety and 12 return to work breaches were dealt with on the spot.

WorkSafe Regional Director, Adam Rogers, said despite the issues identified during the inspection, there were some who met all of their health and safety obligations.

“We had a significant number of businesses in this blitz who did not receive any notices at all – it’s great to see businesses making health and safety a priority in their workplace,” said Mr Rogers.

“Businesses are often so busy with their day-to-day operations; they welcome the opportunity to meet with WorkSafe inspectors.

“It is far more beneficial for everyone if employers and workers take the time to look for and fix safety issues as soon as they’re identified.”

He also said it was necessary for businesses to be positive about safety and not to be complacent about risks at work.

“No one wants to be responsible for an incident in their workplace, so the blitz serves as a good reminder to make workplace safety a top priority,” he said.”

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07:10 pm, Wednesday 30 May, 2012

An unlicensed asbestos removalist was convicted and fined $13,250 for doing unlicensed work, his second offence in two years.

In November 2010, the unlicensed asbestos removalist told a renovation company he was licensed by WorkSafe to conduct asbestos removal at an Anglesea property. He was convicted and fined under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations today in the Geelong Magistrate’s Court. The incident which led to his current prosecution came two weeks after he was prosecuted the first time, in similar offences.

He was convicted on two charges and fined $35,400 after a WorkSafe inspector caught him doing unlicensed work.

Lisa Sturzenegger, WorkSafe’s General Manager of Operations said that the penalties were significant and that the courts took workplace safety issues seriously, especially when there had been prior offences.

“If you have been dealt with by the courts once, they and the community expect you to learn a lesson and take action to avoid a repeat offence.

“It is disappointing that we have had to take action on so many occasions with companies and individuals which should know better.

“This is particularly the case with asbestos which has known health risks and requires people dealing with it to have appropriate skills and understanding.

“Dealing with safety issues is an investment in the business and your people. Get it right and many problems and avoidable business costs are avoided,” she said.

Ms Sturzenegger advised businesses and home-owners looking to hire an asbestos removalist to check on their credentials.

“If you’re hiring someone to do asbestos removal work, make sure you see their licence or contact WorkSafe to ensure they’re licensed. Don’t just take their word for it.

“There are people out there trying to make a quick buck and it’s often by putting themselves and others at risk.

“This prosecution isn’t just about safety – we want the asbestos removal industry to operate on a level playing field.” said Ms Sturzenegger.

Information on requirements for asbestos removal:

In most cases, asbestos removal must be done by a WorkSafe licensed removalist or trained employees of a licence-holder.

Class B licence-holders are only permitted to remove non-friable asbestos such as asbestos cement sheets, eves or pipe; and must comply with a number of requirements. These include appointing a supervisor to oversee work, using specific using specific methods for removal, waste containment and waste disposal, using signs and barricades, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Class A licence-holders are permitted to remove higher-risk friable and non-friable asbestos. They must comply with the same requirements outlined above for Class B licence holders, but must also implement a range of specific measures to carry out the work safely and control the risk, including using enclosures and always having the nominated supervisor on site.

Removing asbestos without a license: In very limited circumstances, some asbestos may be removed without a licence if done so safely. This is possible if the area of asbestos-containing material does not exceed 10 square metres in total, and the total time spent by the employer on any removal work (including their employees) is less than one hour over the space of any seven days.

Information on licensed asbestos removalists can be found on WorkSafe’s website.

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01:01 pm, Tuesday 8 May, 2012

A WorkSafe inspection will target small businesses in Traralgon later this month to check on health and safety compliance. This is part of an ongoing campaign across regional Victoria.

In connection to this activity, a free breakfast briefing will be held tomorrow, 9 May, to know more about what the health and safety and return to work inspectors will be looking for when they arrive in the area.

The briefing will also discuss what businesses can do to make their workplaces safer and how to ensure that they are complying with the law. Businesses will also be briefed on what they can expect upon receiving a visit from a WorkSafe Return to Work inspector.

WorkSafe Operations General Manager, Lisa Sturzenegger, said that the breakfast briefing was a good opportunity for businesses to take a look at their current work safety situation and make improvements before the visits.

“Don’t wait for us to arrive before changes are made or wait for an incident to happen, make safety a priority. The consequences of not doing so can be devastating for all involved,” said Ms Sturzenegger.

The Safe Towns campaign will involve WorkSafe inspectors who will visit a specific area over a one-week period to check on businesses’ compliance with workplace health and safety and return to work.

The WorkSafe inspection will happen in Traralgon from 28 May to 1 June.

The breakfast briefing will be held on Wednesday, 9 May from 7:30 to 9am at the Premier Function Centre, 29 Grey Street in Traralgon. Interested participants are encouraged to contact Crystal Busuttil on 5174 8900 or email her through crystal_busuttil@worksafe.vic.gov.au.

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12:34 pm, Thursday 9 February, 2012

WorkSafe will host a breakfast for small business operators in Bendigo on 16 February to give them the information they need to improve safety. This is done in preparation for WorkSafe targeted inspections from February 27 to March 2.

WorkSafe’s Manufacturing, Logistics and Agriculture Program Director, Ross Pilkington said that inspections will be relatively quick and no enforcement activity is necessary if employers have addressed safety issues before an inspector arrives.

“Unfortunately many people don’t take the opportunity to deal with these unsafe conditions, and as a result end up with a longer visit.”

Mr Pilkington said WorkSafe inspectors will see to it that employers understand health and safety requirements as well as their obligation in assisting injured workers to return to work.

“During the 2011 SafeTowns campaign, WorkSafe visited 1546 workplaces and issued 2118 improvement notices for health and safety and accident compensation breaches.

“We want to see an improvement on those numbers in 2012. By giving people advance warning, we shouldn’t see people adopting a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude or waiting until a WorkSafe inspector walks in.”

Bendigo business operators can refer to WorkSafe’s publication 12 ways to make small business safer as a starting point for their safety improvement catch-up work. Help is also available from WorkSafe’s Advisory service (1800 136 0890). Small businesses may avail a free, three-hour consultancy service from an independent safety specialist to help them deal with safety concerns.

You can book a place at the free WorkSafe breakfast by sending an email to Vicki Naughton through vicki_naughton@worksafe.vic.gov.au by February 13. More information is available on WorkSafe’s website (www.worksafe.vic.gov.au).

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09:42 am, Friday 16 April, 2010

WorkSafe is inviting small businesses in Sale to attend a free breakfast on Thursday. This is part of the safety watchdog’s efforts to help them prepare for safety audit next month.

According to WorkSafe’s Charlotte Bull, it is an opportunity for businesses to ask about workplace health and safety and how they can comply with relevant laws.

Ms Bull said it will precede an inspection blitz in May.

“Our inspectors will be visiting Sale from the 17 to the 21st of May. Probably going to be visiting around 200 businesses during that time,” she said.

“They’re going to be small businesses. We’re going to be particularly targeting businesses which we haven’t visited probably in the last 12 months and who have had previous claims for workplace injury or illness.”

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03:51 pm, Tuesday 30 March, 2010

WorkSafe is looking into the alleged assault of one of its inspectors at Lardner Park Fieldays on Friday.

The inspector stopped a rubbish collection vehicle to caution a person riding on the draw bar of a trailer attached to the vehicle.

The inspector tried to tell the person the dangerous nature of riding on the draw bar. However, the driver used his vehicle to push the inspector away while yelling abuse.

A person assaulting a WorkSafe inspector can lead to a two-year prison term, and fines of up to up to $26,000 for individuals and up to $129,000 for companies.

WorkSafe has previously warned that it will not tolerate obstructing inspectors, whether through verbal or physical assaults. According to WorkSafe, hindering inspectors while doing their task will be followed by an investigation or possible prosecution.

On January 2010, the owner of a panel beating business near Traralgon was brought to court after physically charging an inspector while verbally abusing him.

On January 2007, two men appeared in court after they took an inspector’s camera from him and buried the film buried in a Mildura drainage project trench.

WorkSafe’s Acting Executive Director Stan Krpan said its inspectors have the right to enter workplaces at any time to ensure safety standards are maintained.

“WorkSafe’s aim is to work constructively with all employers and workers,” Mr Krpan said.

“However, our inspectors have a job to do. Preventing them doing their job is a matter WorkSafe takes seriously.

“For obstruction, the courts can fine individuals up to $6,450 for obstructing inspectors while companies can be fined $33,000.

“We know most Victorians support the role of WorkSafe and our objective to ensure all Victorians get home safely at the end of the day. That right includes members of our team.”

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