WorkSafe is placing Victoria’s manufacturing capital in the safety spotlight as data reveals that one in ten fatalities and work-related injuries in the industry happen in the Dandenong postcode.
Project 3175 will see WorkSafe inspectors converge on Dandenong and surrounds in the coming weeks as part of a two-pronged approach to lift workplace safety standards through workplace visits and education.
The manufacturing industry is one of five key sectors associated with the most harm to workers, the others being health care and social assistance, construction, government and agriculture. WorkSafe are focusing on all five industries as part of their five-year plan to reduce fatalities by 30% and injuries by 20%.
WorkSafe continues to use a range of tools to improve safety across priority areas, including targeted visits and assessment programs, as well as education, awareness-building and collaborative initiatives to influence change.
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said this did not mean duty holders in other industries would avoid scrutiny or miss out on invaluable support and advice on what they need to do to meet health and safety obligations.
"Holding employers to account is a key part of our strategy and WorkSafe won't hesitate to use every regulatory tool available against employers who fail to protect workers – including potential criminal charges," he said.
"But a big part of our role is about making sure all duty holders are supported to understand their obligations, and have the information, education and systems to make a difference." WorkSafe publish detailed advice and guidance to assist employers in complying with their duties and obligations under the OHS Act and Regulations.
In addition to the target sectors, WorkSafe will focus on key hazards causing the most physical and psychological harm across all industries – including falls from height, occupational violence and aggression, hazardous manual handling, bullying and harassment, occupational illness and disease, loading and unloading, and mobile plant.
Read more: Project 3175 targets manufacturing harm hotspot | WorkSafe Victoria