Inspection program targets cleaners in WA

WorkSafe WA has announced the commencement of an inspection program that will address the safety standards in the state’s cleaning industry. The program will continue throughout the remainder of the financial year in both metropolitan and regional areas.

WorkSafe Director Joe Attard said the inspections would focus on raising awareness of the safety risks and ensuring that employers had the information required to comply with the laws: “This inspection program is part of an ongoing series of proactive inspections aimed at providing employers with information on how to make workplaces safer.

“Stakeholders in the industry - including the Building Service Contractors Association of Australia and the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union - have been informed of the campaign.

“Employers in the industry should also have been made aware of the fact that inspectors will be conducting visits, so they should know what will be expected of them.”

Inspectors will be concentrating on the priority areas of hazardous substances, manual handling, electricity, falls from height and slips, trips and falls. In addition, they will look at issues more specific to the industry such as procedures for cleaners working alone, disposing of sharps and control of infectious diseases. Inspectors will undertake the inspections with the aid of a checklist to ensure consistency.

“The cleaning industry in WA is large and diverse,” Attard added. “Inspectors will be looking at a wide range of businesses, from the larger employers to small operators in the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors.

“Like all WorkSafe’s proactive inspection programs, this one aims to raise awareness and provide information, but inspectors will take enforcement action if necessary. We firmly believe that raising awareness with proactive campaigns is the best way in which to lessen the risk of work-related injury and illness.”