Victoria moves into the pre-Christmas death zone

31 October 2007

WorkSafe is urging Victorian employers, supervisors and workers to do all they can to prevent serious injuries and deaths before Christmas.

“In November and December last year eight people died at work, nearly a quarter of the year’s total of 29,” WorkSafe’s Executive Director John Merritt said.

There were five fatalities in November and three in December 2006. Twenty fatalities have been reported to WorkSafe so far this year.

“The Victorian community is increasingly aware of the need to develop and maintain safe work practices, but we know much more can be done, particularly when the pressure is on to get something finished or out the door.

“Warehouses, road transport and retailing are particularly busy in the pre-Christmas period, while manufacturers and building trades are trying to finish work before an extended break.

“No one can afford to allow shortcuts to be taken with safety. What is often forgotten is that many serious injuries and so-called near-misses could have resulted in death.”

Mr Merritt said although overall workplace fatalities are trending down, last year’s eight pre-Christmas deaths was a significant spike for a short period of the year.

“Everyone’s aim should be zero deaths and serious injuries, but I’m concerned that there is a consistent seasonal increase in fatalities ahead of what should be the happiest time of year.

“Ensuring people have the right training, suitable equipment and appropriate supervision must be a priority, as is not relying on a person’s experience and skill,” Mr Merritt said.

WorkSafe’s current advertising campaign targets the role of supervisors in ensuring workplaces are as safe as possible and shows how their leadership role can influence positive outcomes.

“Supervisors have a tough job, but safety must be paramount, especially as young or relatively inexperienced people are often moving into the job market for the first time around Christmas. 

“Not considering safety along with the production or other commercial needs creates a dangerous situation which can have enormous human and commercial ramifications. It’s not  worth the risk.”

 

	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002	2001	2000	1999	1998	1997	Ave
Yr total	29	18	30	27	34	34	30	39	37	32	31
Nov/Dec	8	4	3	5	8	7	5	6	12	4	6.2
%/year	28%	22%	10%	19%	24%	21%	17%	15%	32%	13%	20%