Upcoming Mallesons seminarsEmployers in Victoria that have employees engaged in activities that include lifting or handling of heavy objects or unusually shaped products or who may be required to handle objects for an excessive period of time throughout their shift. It is particularly relevant for the manufacturing and construction industries.
What do you need to do?Employers need to examine the workplace and identify areas of activity that may expose employees to risks to their safety arising from repetitive, heavy or awkward lifting or movement. Employers should undertake an inspection of the workplace during operations to see if all MSD risks have been identified.
Stephen Davis
Partner
Stephen Davis
Partner
T +61 3 9643 4107
Leveasque Peterson
Special Counsel
T +61 3 9643 4426
Sydney
Andrew Gray
Melbourne
Murray Kellock
Worksafe Victoria has begun conducting a 'blitz' on manual handling across the State. The campaign, which commenced on 1 November, will involve snap inspections across all sectors, targeting musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) injuries.
It follows a similar inspection blitz on manual handling in the food industry in July, and the release of a new national standard (National Standard for Manual Tasks) and Code of Practice (National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work) in 2007.
Worksafe proposes to increase the number of workplace inspections significantly and enforcement activities such as Prohibition and Improvement Notices will be issued in appropriate cases. Employers should undertake an inspection of the workplace during operations to see if all MSD risks have been identified.
Mallesons has been undertaking some training for clients in preparation, as well as compliance assessments. If you have any doubts as to your compliance with manual handling obligations in Victoria, or would like to discuss how to respond to the snap inspections, or wish to arrange training, please contact us.