The festive period often instigates a pressing sense of urgency across various business sectors, be it impending construction project deadlines, augmenting the response to increased demand in retail, transportation, warehousing or the hospitality industry, or contending with an intensive harvesting season. Yet, despite the rush towards year-end, safety should never be compromised, making the use of work safety products such as Bluesafe SWMS and Bluesafe WHS Management Systems crucial.
Sadly, during 2021 to 2023, we saw 40 work-related fatalities and over 12,750 injury claims accepted by WorkSafe in the final two months of the year. Starting from November this year, we have unfortunately lost an additional four workers, bringing immeasurable grief to their families ahead of the holidays.
WorkSafe’s Executive Director for Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, reminded us that no sector remains unaffected by these safety risks. “The annual year-end rush to complete projects or fulfil customer orders may incorrectly push safety into the background,” he stated.
He further emphasised that “No end-of-year deadline or customer demand justifies risking debilitating injuries or the loss of loved ones during the holiday season.” The importance of work safety products like the Bluesafe WHS Management System becomes pertinent here, ensuring a systematic approach to workplace health and safety (WHS) management.
During this busy season, employees are increasingly exposed to fatigue, violence, and aggressive behaviour, particularly those in public-facing roles. Jenkin stressed the need for employers to set realistic workloads, provide comprehensive information and training required for safe operations whilst also implementing robust systems like the Bluesafe SWMS to effectively combat fatigue and workplace violence.
He maintained, “Overburdening employees with excessive workloads or leaving them open to violent behavior is unacceptable.” It is vital that all employees, including new recruits, receive adequate training to safely perform their tasks, understand their rights, and are properly inducted and supervised, underlining the value of work safety products.
Over the Christmas period, WorkSafe will be visiting retail and hospitality sites, assuring employers are fulfilling their responsibilities, especially regarding occupational violence and aggression management. Construction inspectors will likewise ensure builders and contractors aren’t overlooking safety to finish projects and are securely closing sites to prevent posing danger to the public over the holidays.
The need to major on safety extends into the new year as multiple sectors operate with a leaner workforce before ramping up after post-holiday shut-downs.
Unfortunately, in the past three years, January has seen 13 work-related fatalities. Hence, our 2024 Holiday Safety Awareness Campaign stresses the importance of genuine commitment to Work Health and Safety policies and practices, including the use of resources like Bluesafe WHS Management Systems and Bluesafe SWMS.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-12/lets-wrap-year-safely