Building safer workplaces for all Australians
Safety is too important to risk. That's why during October, Safe Work Australia is urging all employers and workers to commit to improving WHS in Australian workplaces for National Safe Work Month.
The operational and financial costs of poor WHS practices can be extensive. Consider these statistics from Safe Work Australia:
- There are 111,200 serious claims made each year with 24% of serious claims made by labourers¹
- Approximately $543 million is paid in workers compensation each year for work-related mental conditions ²
- Work-related injury and disease costs the Australian economy $61.8 billion each year³
Considerations for employers:
While this national campaign is a great way to raise awareness about the importance of WHS, building a safer workplace should be a priority for employers all year round.
Implementing safe work practices in your workplace can both protect workers from injury and improve the long-term success of your business through higher worker productivity.
Safe Work Australia provides some helpful guidelines for employers looking to improve the health and safety of their workplace. These include:
- Design your work according to the demands of the job, the working environment, the equipment required and the skills needed to carry out the job safely. If your work is designed well, potential hazards and risks can be eliminated before they cause harm.
- Only use tools and equipment that fit the job and suit your unique workplace. Avoid buying cheap equipment as they may break easily or be dangerous for your workers.
- Replace damaged or outdated equipment and schedule in regular maintenance for your machinery. Poorly kept equipment can cause serious injury or death.
- Carry out regular risk assessments and ensure the right controls are in place if any risks are indentified. It is also essential that all staff are trained appropriately so they too can identify any unsafe practices as they arise.
How Coverforce can help
Our experienced Workplace Solutions team offer a range of services to assist businesses in the efficient management of their worker's compensation premium, HR and WHS risks.
Just some of the ways we can assist include:
- Reviewing Workers Compensation premiums, classification, and claims
- Workers Compensation claims and injury management advice
- Development and implementation of policies and processes that assist you in recruiting the right people for your business
- Embedding of safe working processes and the identification of risks and hazards in your workplace
- Identifying and closing compliance gaps
- Implementation of policies and procedures that provide guidelines for performance and behavioural framework
To get in contact with the Coverforce Workplace Services Team, please call us on (02) 9098 5500 today.
The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. If you require advice that is tailored to your specific business or individual circumstances, please contact Coverforce directly.
Further information and references
For more information on health and safety practices in Australia or to access a range of resources that can help your business get involved in Safe Work Australia's National Safe Work Month, click here.
References
- https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1808/state-infographic-national.pdf
- https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/topic/mental-health
- https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/news-and-events/national-safe-work-month
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