Worker safety improved at regional service stations

Small, independently owned service stations in regional NSW will be able to do business more safely and efficiently under a recently launched NSW Government project.

The Regional Service Station Project will involve SafeWork NSW inspectors visiting 150 service stations in regional NSW to assist them with safety and workers compensation, as well as obtaining fuel pricing information.

The collaborative project is in response to recent SafeWork research that found small, independently owned service stations in regional NSW lacked understanding of work health and safety in relation to storage, handling and use of dangerous goods, as well as safety and emergency plans.

“Due to their isolation, small, independently owned service stations in regional NSW have received less frequent assistance in the past,” said Tony Williams, SafeWork NSW group director, regional operations and sector initiatives.

“By supporting them to understand their work health and safety, workers compensation and trading obligations, workers will be safer and consumers better protected.”

During the visits, SafeWork inspectors will advise local operators how to comply with dangerous goods regulations and ensure they have adequate and up-to-date safety and emergency plans.

They will also check that the operators have a current workers compensation insurance policy.

Information on fuel signage and octane ratings will also be obtained for verification by NSW Fair Trading so that customers can make an informed choice.

Operators that receive a visit may be eligible to claim a $500 rebate from SafeWork NSW to put towards the purchase and installation of eligible safety items that address a safety problem in their business.

This initiative involves SafeWork NSW, NSW Fair Trading and the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA).

For further information on service station safety, visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50.

Image credit: ©Sean Gladwell/Dollar Photo Club