Vehicle repair shops in the spotlight for safety breaches
Serious safety concerns for motor vehicle repair businesses has fuelled the decision to continue an inspection program by WorkSafe WA after more than 1300 notices were issued during the 2014–15 financial year.
The inspection program, carried out by inspectors across Western Australia, focused on motor vehicle premises and repair workshops at car retail premises and found serious concerns with hoists and traffic management.
The program, which was prompted by two work-related deaths in 2013 and a high rate of work-related injuries, will continue during 2015–16 across metropolitan and regional areas.
It will also expand its reach to include tyre sales and repair shops, vehicle-body wrecking yards and other workplaces that contain motor vehicle hoists.
WorkSafe Director Joe Attard said the number of notices issued during the last inspection program indicated the importance of an expanded follow-up program.
“Inspectors aim to visit more workplaces during the 2015–16 program and provide employers with information on how to make their workplaces safer, especially with regard to motor vehicle hoists and traffic management,” said Attard.
“A total of 264 notices were issued for breaches involving vehicle hoists during the last program. Of these, 148 related to pre-start checks, inspections and servicing records, so maintenance is a major concern.”
Traffic management issues, which resulted in 83 notices, are also considered a major problem in workplaces where mobile plant may be operating in areas that have pedestrian access.
“During this program, inspectors will work with the aid of a checklist to ensure consistency, and will also look at general areas such as electricity, work at heights, hazardous substances, machinery guarding and slips, trips and falls,” said Attard.
“Employer groups have been informed of the program, so employers should be aware of what is required of them if visited by a WorkSafe inspector.”
WorkSafe said raising awareness is the main objective with the program but inspectors will take enforcement action if they find breaches of the laws.
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