Victoria has enjoyed the safest workplace results year on record in 2012, according to new figures released by State Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips.

 

The figures show that 18 people died in Victorian workplaces last year – seven fewer than the 25 fatalities which occurred in 2011, and equal to the previous record low of 18 fatalities set in 2005.

 

The number of Victorians injured at work also fell to a new low. Last year, 7.77 people were injured for every million hours worked, compared to 7.9 people per million hours worked in 2011.

 

Mr Rich-Phillips said the improvement was a significant achievement and kept up the state’s track record of leadingAustralia in terms of workplace safety.

 

“In 2012 national data confirmed Victoria’s position as having the safest workplaces of any state or territory in Australia, and that’s a credit to employers, workers and the efforts of the WorkSafe team,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

 

“Many things need to come together to achieve these sorts of outcomes – active engagement and support from employers and workers, practical assistance combined with inspection and enforcement activity by the VWA and a commitment to improved workplace safety.”