Victorian workplaces are about to become much safer for nurses, construction workers, residential youth workers and health professionals thanks to four work safety programs that aim to reduce injury rates in high-risk industries.
WorkCover Minister Bob Cameron says employers, unions and WorkSafe Victoria have joined forces to demand a safer workplace for the aged-care, health, construction and youth-work sectors.
"Over the last four financial years these industries combined have averaged 1,745 injury claims costing $31.48 million each year," he says.
"Funding announced today will give employers and unions the helping hand they need to make the safety changes they know will make a difference for their staff and members."
Cameron says private sector aged care nurses will benefit from $789,260 in funding to help employers purchase patient lifting aids, equipment and training.
"This project alone expects to produce a 20% reduction in staff injuries by working with 40-50 aged care facilities who will match equipment costs dollar for dollar," he says.
The construction industry is also set to benefit under the first round of safety development funding, with $436,372 going to trade industry groups and unions to reduce sub-contractor injuries on small construction sites.
"Five partners including employers, industry groups and construction unions have come together with a mission to cut injuries by 20% by providing practical risk-management advice and guidance to small businesses," Cameron says.
In a first for Australia, safety development funding of $200,923 will be used to create a code of practice to reduce assault and trauma against residential care youth workers.
"Adoption of the code of practice expects to produce a 15% reduction in staff injuries by late 2004," he says.
Finally, the Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association, ANF and Health Services Union of Australia have received $283,136 in WorkSafe funding to provide a design advisory service for 100 health care facilities, set to reduce patient lifting and handling risks.
"Advisory services will range from building design to fit-out, including no slip floors, lifting devices and smart shower designs," Cameron says.
"This project aims to achieve a 27% reduction in staff injury claims by 2011, which will deliver an estimated $10 million claims cost reduction."
Applications close for the next round of funding close on November 30. Safety Development Fund guidelines are available from WorkSafe Victoria.