As the end of the year fast approaches, demand in many workplaces increases with higher workloads and extra pressure contributing to fatigue and the temptation to take unsafe shortcuts.
In the five years 2020 to 2024, 395 Victorian workers have lost their lives, and a disproportionate 71 of those occurred in November or December. It is also documented that WorkSafe accepts more claims during the final two months on the calendar.
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the greatest gift you can give your family and friends at this time of year is staying safe and healthy at work.
WorkSafe’s upcoming 'HomeSafe' campaign is reminding Victorians that the most important reason for workplace safety at the end of the year is getting home safely to their loved ones for the holidays.
Mr Jenkin said while some industries faced extra risks at this time of the year, no sector was immune to workplace harm if workers weren’t supported and safety wasn’t prioritised.
“Victorian employers must resist the rush, set realistic workloads, and ensure appropriate systems are in place to protect both workers and others in or near their workplaces from harm this holiday season.”
The plea to take extra caution also extends to the agriculture industry, where harvest season places extra demands on workers and equipment due to warmer weather and pressure to work longer hours at a faster pace. WorkSafe says that fatigue and incidents involving vehicles and machinery remain a significant contributor to workplace harm on farms, with many incidents involving experienced farmers performing everyday tasks alone.
The agriculture industry continues to be over-represented in workplace fatalities, regularly accounting for more than 10 percent of deaths despite making up just two per cent of the state’s workforce.
Mr Jenkin said a majority related to the use or maintenance of farm machinery and vehicles, including the three confirmed work-related deaths on Victorian farms so far this year – each involving reversing tractors.
Read more: Work safe to get home safe this festive season | WorkSafe Victoria
Make safety a priority this harvest season | WorkSafe Victoria