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Worksafe investigating workplace deathsWorkSafe is investigating the death of the 60 old man from Delahey who was the 14th Victorian to die in traumatic circumstances at work since 1 January.
WorkSafe’s Executive Director, John Merritt, said the fatality was the second this year involving unguarded equipment and one of a number of incidents where people have suffered injuries.
“Incidents like this devastate families, workmates and businesses yet so many ignore the known and clearly visible risks in their workplaces.”
The incident that precipitated this death came just a week after another company and its manager were prosecuted, convicted and fined in the County Court after a similar matter several years ago.
“If employers and workers do not protect their people and their businesses, they must accept the consequences. For individual and everyone associated with the incident they can be truly horrific.
“The outcomes are not what you see on TV and it’s not clever special effects. It is real-life horror that with some thought, planning and discussion can easily be avoided often with material that’s on site or at little cost.
“It’s not enough to rely on something being ‘industry practice’ when that practice is dangerous. It’s not good enough to rely on the fact that someone has been trained or are very experienced; and it’s certainly not good enough for you to do nothing.
“The deaths and high profile incidents are just the tip of the iceberg. Invariably they involve people doing routine work, but the less prominent injuries caused by poor manual handling practices, slips trips and falls also have an immense community and personal costs.
Mr Merritt said workplace injuries cost the community hundreds of millions of dollars every year in treatment and rehabilitation costs.”
Prevention of deaths and injuries is rewarded by a happier and more stable workforce and lower business costs.
Mr Merritt said a series of WorkSafe business briefings which run until mid-July and which will soon be in the western and northern suburbs will focus on ensuring safety is maintained in tough times, dealing with workers compensation claims and helping injured workers back to work.
Information on a range of free services such as the free, safety inspection by an independent consultant will also be available.
Bookings are essential for the 2009 WorkSafe roadshow. Go to www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/register or for more information call WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089.
Briefings in the northern and western suburbs.
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Date
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Location
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Time
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Venue
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Thursday 25 June
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Melton
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8.30am
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Melton Community Hall
232 High St, Melton
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Thursday 25 June
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Macedon
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4pm
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Macedon Spa
652 Black Forest Dr, Macedon
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Tuesday 30 June
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Diamond Creek
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8.30am
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Ashton Manor
49-55 Main St, Diamond Creek
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Tuesday 30 June
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Broadmeadows
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4pm
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The Meadows
80 Northcorp Bvd, Broadmeadows
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Tuesday 7 July
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Altona
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8.30am
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Grand Star Receptions
Cnr Grieve Pde & Dohertys Rd,
Altona North |
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Tuesday 14 July
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East Melbourne
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9am
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Dallas Brooks Centre
300 Albert St, East Melbourne
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Tuesday 14 July
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Moonee Ponds
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4pm
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Moonee Valley Racing Club
McPherson St, Moonee Ponds
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Media inquiries: Michael Birt 0411 256 605
