WORKSAFE WA PROBES DEATHS IN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY
It’s been announced an investigation triggered by 12 work-related deaths within 12 months in the Western Australian agriculture industry will consider the impact of environmental factors and the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector's safety standards.
WA’s Safety Commissioner launched the inquiry in June immediately after the 12th fatal incident, where a 24-year-old worker in the Great Southern region was struck on the head when he used a tractor to move a bogged vehicle and the towing equipment failed (see related article).
The Commissioner is concerned there appears to be a culture in the industry where production is "put before the safety of families and workers." The Commissioner has said "I envisage the inquiry will be completed, and the report written by the end of this year."
Read more here: OHSAlert 19 August 2022
WORK SAFE GRANTS MILLIONS FOR FRESH SAFETY IDEAS
Projects to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers in seven different industries will receive a total of $2.47 million as a result of WSVs 2021-22 funding round.
Nine projects were chosen for their focus on ‘prevention, promotion of knowledge and confidence, and community value’ Work Safe’s CEO, Colin Bradford has said.
"We are delighted to be able to provide funding for these innovative projects that reflect our values and will prevent harm in workplaces across Victoria,"
"From using wearable technology devices to identify injury risk factors, to developing programs to reduce psychosocial harm, these ground-breaking initiatives will make a lasting difference to the lives of Victorian workers and their families.'
Organisations to receive the grants include:
- The ASU who received funding to develop a cultural change model and training program to prevent and address psychosocial harm in the local government and community services industries.
- The RTBU who’ll work with key industry stakeholders to deliver guidance clarifying ambiguous or contentious OHS risk management issues on rail construction projects
Other organisations to receive funding include Boroondara City Council, La Trobe University, Lort Smith, Mactown Consulting, Veg Education (a specialised agriculture RTO) and Yooralla, who’ll review hoist practices in the social assistance industry.
WorkSafe's says its grants program is focused on supporting workplace and community solutions that will make the biggest difference to the health, safety, and wellbeing of Victorian workers.
The 2022-23 funding round will be announced on the WorkSafe website in the coming months.
Source: Work Safe 18 August 2022
