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For what it’s worth…
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New WorkSafe campaign targets $1 billion problem
WorkSafe’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, Ian Forsyth, talks about a new campaign that targets a $1b problem.
Victorian employers are paying almost $1b a year to treat injuries such as broken bones, crook backs, sprains and torn ligaments.
Statistics reveal musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), which include slips, trips and falls, and dangerous manual handling, continue to be Victoria’s leading source of workers’ compensation claims.
There are more than 15 000 new cases of workers being seriously injured every year from routine tasks such as moving, lifting and lowering objects and from preventable slips, trip and falls.
A new WorkSafe campaign that launched on Sunday uses humour-with-an-edge to highlight how easily these expensive and hard-to-treat injuries can be prevented.
In TV, billboard and internet ads a worker and supervisor are about to be involved in some dangerous work when they find themselves in a game show, ‘The Pain Game’, where the prize is a serious, painful, and potentially long-term injury.
The campaign seeks to highlight situations where people often know what has to be done to get the job done safely but are tempted to take risky shortcuts, often resulting in a serious health problem.
The campaign urges workers and supervisors to think twice because the consequences of these shortcuts hurt the person, who may be off work for a considerable period, and the business, through their premium rates.
To view the campaign, visit: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
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WorkSafe
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Warning to repeat offenders
Three companies and two individuals received hefty fines when they faced court in May for serious repeat workplace safety offences.
Read more
Company fined over electrocution
A Bayswater North company has been convicted and fined $200,000 after a worker was electrocuted while operating an electric press to mould rubber gaskets and seals.
Read more
Women urged to step up
WorkSafe has called on Victorian women to become more involved in workplace health and safety, and use their influence to help protect themselves, their workers, workmates, families and friends.
Read more
Road to recovery has its own award
Major back surgery from a workplace injury at 63 would have left many people facing forced retirement and an uncertain future, but not David Smooker.
Read more
Check out nominations for the 2012 WorkSafe Victoria Awards here
Inspection blitz identifies hazards
Out-of-date fire extinguishers, incorrectly stored hazardous substances, and forklift traffic management issues where amongst the concerns of WorkSafe inspectors who undertook a Safe Towns blitz in Traralgon earlier this month.
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Manufacturing
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Ammonia leak at dairy factory
A worker from Murray Goulburn's Maffra processing plant was hospitalised after an ammonia leak at the factory.
Read more
Boat company fined for crushing worker
A Queensland boat building company has been fined $40,000 over a workplace incident that saw a man crushed by a steel beam, shattering his pelvis and hips.
Read more
Guilty plea over engineer death
Insufficient safety systems led to the death of an aircraft engineer after he was sucked into an engine, a New Zealand court has ruled.
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Logistics
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Business fined over forklift accident
An Adelaide food distribution business has been fined $73 000 over an incident where a forklift tipped over a loose metal grate and seriously injured an employee.
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Agriculture
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Two injured in separate farm accidents
A 56-year-old man received serious injuries after his leg was caught in an auger and a man in his 20s had micro-surgery after his hand was trapped in a machine, in two separate incidents on Victorian farms.
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News
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Parliamentary review into workplace bullying
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced a national review into workplace bullying and harassment.
Read more |
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Keep yourself in the know
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For more advice or information on improving workplace safety call WorkSafe’s Advisory Service on 1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au.
WorkSafe produces other eNewsletters for construction, OHS professionals, return to work and work health. Sign up for the industry-targeted newsletters at 'Subscribe to eNews' at worksafe.vic.gov.au.
You can also follow us on Twitter (@WorkSafe_Vic) or YouTube (WorkSafeVictoria).
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Risky business
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Reported incidents
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Since the last edition there were 71 incidents reported to WorkSafe.
These included 1 fatality, 13 fractures, 17 lacerations, 3 electric shocks and 2 finger tip amputations.
Read the list for your industry |
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Events
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Southern Safety Group seminar
OHS and the courts
Presented by McPherson + Kelley solicitor Rob Jackson
Monday 25 June, 3-4.30pm
Venue: Protector Alsafe
42 Greens Road, Dandenong
$5 for non-members
For more information contact gary.thexton@bigpond.com or 0409 210 883
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