Recognising innovation in workplace safety
The Victorian Minister for WorkCover, Mr Bob Cameron, announced $1.71 million in funding for four unique work safety programs set to dramatically reduce injury rates in high-risk industries.
Mr Cameron said employers, unions and WorkSafe Victoria had joined forces to demand a safer workplace for the aged care, health, construction and youth work sectors.
“Since 1997 these industries combined have averaged 1745 injury claims costing $31,480,000 million every year.” Mr Cameron said.
“Funding announced will give employers and unions the helping hand they need to make the safety changes they know will make a difference for their staff and members.” Mr Cameron said.
“Private sector aged care nurses will benefit from $789,260 in funding to help employers purchase patient lifting aids, equipment and training. This project alone expects to produce a 20% reduction in staff injuries by working with 40 – 50 aged care facilities who will match equipment costs dollar for dollar.”
Mr Cameron said the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF), Australian Nursing Home Care Association and Victorian Association of Health and Extended Care should be proud of their initiative in driving this project to improve staff safety.
“The construction industry is also set to benefit under the first round of safety development funding, with $436,372 going to trade industry groups and unions to reduce sub-contractor injuries on small construction sites.” he said. Five partners including employers, industry groups and construction unions have come together with a mission to cut injuries by 20% by providing practical risk management advice and guidance to small businesses.
In a first for Australia, Safety Development Funding will also create a $200,923 code of practice to reduce assault and trauma against residential care youth workers.
Mr Cameron said this ground-breaking project would help to create a caring protective environment for traumatised children and those dedicated to helping them.
“Adoption of the code of practice expects to produce a 15% reduction in staff injuries by late 2004.” he said.
Mr Cameron also commended the collaborative efforts of the Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association, Australian Nursing Federation and Health Services Union of Australia. These partners had received $283,136 in WorkSafe funding to provide a design advisory service for 100 health care facilities, set to reduce patient lifting and handling risks.
‘Advisory services will range from building design to fit-out, including no slip floors, lifting devices and smart shower designs.’ he said.
‘This project aims to achieve a 27% reduction in staff injury claims by 2011 which will deliver an estimated $10 million dollar claims cost reduction.
Mr Cameron said the $1.71 million WorkSafe investment would have a major impact this year and for many years to come.
“These groups are the first round of successful projects from the $5 million Safety Development Fund. Industry associations, employer groups and unions with innovative ideas to make work safe in their own sectors, should get a copy of the Safety Development Fund Guidelines from WorkSafe Victoria.”
Applications close for the next funding round on 30 November, 2001.
