WorkSafe Victoria has released statistics that show almost 450 body parts have been amputated from Victorian workers by common types of machinery in the State’s workplaces over the last five years.

 

Amputations, along with cuts, crushing and other injuries, have wracked up an accumulated $220 million in medical treatment, rehabilitation and income support over the same period.

 

The manufacturing and logistics sectors accounted for over half of these injuries, and were usually caused by machines that cut, mix or convey materials.

 

A recent spate of prosecutions and serious injuries involving machines has prompted WorkSafe to call for businesses to do all they can to make their machinery as safe as possible.

 

There’s still too many workers being hurt by common types of machines”, WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Operations General Manager, Lisa Sturzenegger said.

 

“If we’re going to keep Victoria the safest place to work, employers have to do more to control dangerous machines.”

 

“We know they’re essential to many businesses, but they can be dangerous and must be controlled.”

 

“The risks dangerous machines pose are well known, with cheap and effective solutions freely available.”

 

WorkSafe’s statistics reveal of the nearly 11,000 injuries related to dangerous machines in the last five years:

  • 71% (7733) occurred in manufacturing, construction, transport, warehousing and storage industries;
  • 27% (2952) involved cuts and lacerations to the body
  • 32% (3453) involved workers’ hands and fingers
  • 441 body parts were amputated, with 98% (433) of all amputations involving hands and fingers being torn off the body

The Assistant Treasurer, Gordon Rich-Phillips, said it was a timely reminder to check workplace machinery.

 

"Taking the time to make sure machines are safe can prevent injuries and the pain they cause people and businesses," he said.

 

"While Victoria's workplaces are the safest they've ever been, safety must be top of mind every day."

 

To find out more about how to make machines safe, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/plant

 

To make machines safe, ensure:

  • The machinery is not broken and has all the appropriate parts
  • A person could not be injured using or maintaining the machine
  • The machinery is properly guarded and safety interlocks are regularly checked before operating
  • People do not operate the machinery without the guarding attached
  • Production schedules allow for safe operation
  • Operator controls are easily accessible and clearly labelled. Warning lights and sounds are working
  • Energy supplies and services such as power, water and air are physically isolated before any maintenance is done
  • Energy stored in the machines such as spring tension, gravity or hydraulic pressure is released before maintenance is done
  • Workers are provided with regular information about the hazards associated with machinery and how to operate them safely
  • Workers can identify when the machinery is not safe to use
  • Supervisors regularly check to see workers are operating/cleaning the machine the right way
  • 0Untrained workers are not allowed to operate or maintain machinery