Authorities in Australia are not overlooking the importance of having a safe working environment for those repairing motor vehicles.
WorkSafe said recently that it will soon undertake an inspection program to look at safety issues in motor vehicle repair businesses.
Throughout the 2014/15 financial year in metropolitan and regional areas, inspectors will look at mechanical repair workplaces, from large chains to small businesses and mechanical workshops in car dealer and vehicle rental premises.
WorkSafe Director Joe Attard said recently that motor vehicle repairs had been identified as an industry with a high rate of work-related injuries.“Statistics show that workers in motor vehicle repairs sustain a high number of soft tissue and muscle injuries, as well as lacerations,” Attard said.
According to Attard, “WorkSafe inspectors from the Transport Team will be paying particular attention to motor vehicle hoists during this inspection program, and they will also look closely at the safe movement of vehicles in these workplaces and the risks of injury as a result of manual tasks.”
Inspectors will work with the aid of a checklist to ensure consistency, and will also look at general areas such as electricity, work at heights, hazardous substances, machinery guarding and slips, trips and falls.
Employers to Know what is Required of Them
Employer groups and trade unions will be informed of the program, so employers should be aware of what is required of them if visited by a WorkSafe inspector.
“This program is part of an ongoing series of proactive inspections aimed at providing employers with information on how to comply with workplace safety and health laws,” Attard commented.
“Raising awareness is the main objective, but inspectors will take enforcement action if they find breaches of the laws.
“We firmly believe that raising awareness with proactive programs is the best way in which to lessen the rate of work-related injury and illness,”Attard added.
Further information on workplace safety can be obtained on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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