Metal manufacturers target manual handling

WorkSafe WA will target the metal manufacturing sector as part of a Trans-Tasman workplace safety project focusing on manual handling injuries resulting from heavy lifting and repetitive tasks.

Metal manufacturing is one of the top high-risk sectors in WA in which manual handling injuries account for the highest number of total injuries. Inspections will be conducted across Australia and New Zealand in the first half of this year.

The project incorporates two phases " an education and awareness component, followed by workplace visits by inspectors to ensure workplaces are taking all possible steps to guard against manual handling injuries.

Three free industry workshops were held in Perth over the past fortnight to raise awareness of the causes of these injuries, the preventative measures that can be taken and obligations under occupational safety and health laws.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner, Nina Lyhne said that national projects such as this are an important means of ensuring national consistency in workplace safety and health.

"These projects are excellent examples of cooperation between the States, and it is very positive that the metal manufacturing industry has cooperated fully with the project so far," Lyhne said.

Further information on manual handling can be obtained from WorkSafe WA at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.