A WorkSafe inspection campaign of manufacturers in Wangara has unearthed several serious safety issues with 261 improvement and four prohibition notices issued.
A WorkSafe inspection campaign of manufacturers in Wangara has unearthed several serious safety issues with 261 improvement and four prohibition notices issued.
Eleven WorkSafe inspectors conducted 91 inspections in the Wangara industrial area over a two-week period commencing October 12.
WorkSafe Director of Manufacturing, Transport and Services Industries, Joe Attard, said today the inspection campaign found reasonable safety standards, but areas of concern that were serious in nature.
"This inspection campaign was significant in that it was the first metropolitan campaign to concentrate on a geographical region rather than a specific industry or activity," Mr Attard said.
"It targeted manufacturers of food, beverages and tobacco, wood and paper products, non-metallic mineral products, metal products, equipment manufacturing and other types of manufacturing in the Wangara area.
"Inspectors visited a large number of workplaces and, although they were well received, enforcement action was required to ensure employers were complying with workplace safety laws.
"Inspectors issued a total of 261 improvement notices, four prohibition notices and 49 verbal directions in the course of the 91 inspections.
"The major areas of concern were machine guarding, hazardous substances, forklift safety, electrical safety and edge protection on mezzanine levels, none of which are minor issues.
"There were also concerns about the number of workplaces issued notices for not having safe systems of work in place for the isolation and lockout and tagging of machinery and plant during cleaning and maintenance activities.
"Forklift safety and the safe movement of mobile plant continue to be among the significant issues in manufacturing workplaces, and safe systems of work also need to be in place around these activities.
"Falls from higher levels within workplaces are readily preventable, and it need not be difficult or costly to ensure that suitable edge protection is organised before a tragedy can occur.
"Electrical safety is always a serious concern, and some employers had to be reminded of the requirement for portable RCDs if employees work off-site.
"It is important that employers and employees in the manufacturing sector are aware of the chemicals and other hazardous substances in their workplaces, and they need to have access to information detailing the health effects in the event of exposure.
"The Wangara campaign was a very focused and intense period for all WorkSafe inspectors who participated, and the extensive coverage of industry in the area contributed greatly to its success.
"Perth includes some significant industrial areas with large numbers of workplaces that conduct manufacturing activities, and the success of the Wangara campaign has confirmed that we will continue with campaigns targeting geographical areas.
"Like all our proactive campaigns, the aim is to identify risks to the safety and health of workers in the industry and to provide employers with information on how to comply with workplace safety laws, though inspectors will take enforcement action if they find breaches of the laws."
