Watchdog says 21 of 47 workplaces had to address non-compliance issues
In late 2018, SafeWork SA announced its inspectors were auditing workplaces across the manufacturing, warehouse and transport sectors.
Following an enquiry from ATN, it has released the results of that audit.
SafeWork SA says the audit took place between October and December 2018, focusing on:
- working at heights
- fall protection
- forklift operation
- moving plant
- traffic and pedestrian management systems
- plant maintenance, and
- loading practices, including restraining loads.
Key findings from the audit include:
- 100 per cent of forklift operators (34) held the correct competency to operate a forklift (high risk work licence)
- 21 per cent of workplaces were not aware of their obligations relating to notifiable incidents
- 17 per cent did not have systems in place to assist workers with manual handling during loading and unloading operations
- 10 per cent had areas in the workplace where a person could slip, trip or fall
- 8.5 per cent did not have adequate systems in place to ensure pedestrian safety around forklifts
- 8.5 per cent did not have a forklift pre-start inspection system in place
- 6.3 per cent did not regularly inspect electrical plant
- 6 per cent did not have a system in place for fitting load restraint devices
- 4.2 per cent had not completed the required annual forklift maintenance service
- 4.2 per cent did not have a pre-start inspection regime in place.
Read about SafeWork SA’s investigation clarification after TWU calls, here
SafeWork SA says of the 47 workplaces visited, 21 had enforcement notices issued by inspectors to address non-compliance with the WHS legislation.
The non-compliance matters have since been addressed by those affected workplaces, it adds.
“Two areas of concern relate to risks associated with manual handling and working at height.
“SafeWork SA reminds all businesses of their obligation to ensure worker safety by eliminating risks wherever possible.
“A great place to start is by implementing systems that take into account the vehicle design, the work being undertaken, and allowing workers adequate time to complete tasks safely.”
The state safety watchdog sees its effort as having a positive effect on compliance.
“Following a similar audit conducted in 2017, SafeWork SA has seen improvements relating to forklift operators having the relevant high risk work licence, systems to ensure safety around pedestrians and forklifts, electrical safety, restraining of loads and pre-start inspection regimes,” a spokesperson tells ATN.
“Having systems in place to address manual handling during loading and unloading of vehicles remains an area requiring more attention, given injuries related to joint/ligament and muscular trauma and musculoskeletal diseases account for 62 per cent of injuries in the transport industry.”
Information and guidance related to road transport can be obtained from its website here.